BBC Sport
Derby County wing-back Joe Ward has said he considered retiring from football because of a recurring knee injury – but is now enjoying a run in the team.
The 30-year-old missed most of last season after requiring knee surgery for the second time in two years.
But Ward has now started the past five games for the Rams, providing four assists and scoring one goal in the 2-1 win at Swansea on Tuesday night.
“It’s been so tough,” he told BBC Radio Derby after victory in Wales lifted Derby up to seventh in the Championship and level on points with Bristol City in the play-off places.
“There have been points where I’ve really been struggling with my knee and at times I’ve thought I could pack…
