Albion have confirmed the signing of Republic of Ireland left-back Stephen Ward on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.


  The 27-year-old is expected to go straight into the side at the expense of Latvian youngster Vitalijs Maksimenko at Birmingham City tomorrow.


  Left-back has been a problem position for Albion since Wayne Bridge joined Reading in June.


  Youngster Adam Chicksen was signed from MK Dons the following month but head coach Oscar Garcia has been keen to capture a senior replacement for Bridge.


  Oscar said: "From the first day we arrived here we knew we needed a left-back. Now we have got one.


  "Stephen can help us a lot. He can also play as a winger. We are happy he has joined and he is fit enough to play."


  Ward's last competitive appearance was as a late substitute in the defeat for Wolves against Albion at The Amex at the end of last season which rubber-stamped their relegation to League One.