Huddersfield Town’s new loan signing Elliott Ward will wear the No12 shirt.
The 30-year-old, who has joined for a month with the possibility of extending the deal, will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City.
He hasn’t played for parent club Bournemouth in the Premier League this season, but he did figure in a behind-closed-doors match last Friday before meeting the Town squad at PPG Canalside yesterday, ahead of paperwork being completed on the loan move.
Town have moved quickly to bolster their defensive options now the loan transfer window is open, and Ward said: “I have spoken to Chris Powell and it’s a good opportunity for all of us.
“He said that they needed a centre-half and I need to play games, so it’s a good fit.”
MORE: Bournemouth defender Elliott Ward joins Huddersfield Town on loan
Ward and Powell were teammates at West Ham United a decade ago, being part of the Hammers successful play-off promotion side at the Millennium Stadium.
A 6ft 1in defender, Ward also won promotion from the Championship with Norwich City and, of course, last season with Bournemouth.
“I think I now have good experience of what the Championship is all about and what it takes to win games and get up the division,” he said.
“I have come from a footballing team and I like to keep clean sheets.
“Last season was frustrating, I was out for a time with injury but I got back fit and the lads were doing really well so I was sub from January onwards.
“It was frustrating on one side, but it was a great achievement from the team and it was great to be involved in.
“Pre-season has gone very well, I haven’t missed a minute of training and I feel really strong and fit and I’m more than ready to play straight away.
“If I’m selected on Saturday it will be a great opportunity to get back playing again”