Paul Lambert is adamant that Norwich defender Elliott Ward 'won't let us down' if he returns from a long-term knee injury at Swansea.
The central defender has missed out on Norwich's impressive run so far in the Premier League after damaging a knee on a pre-season tour in Germany.
But he could be in line to join the adventure at Swansea in the clash of the two promoted clubs who have established themselves in mid-table and won such plaudits this season.
Norwich boss Lambert lost both first-choice centre backs, Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread to hamstring injuries in last week's win against Bolton.
Ayala will be out for around a month and Whitbread is doubtful for the Swansea match.
If Lambert has to turn to 27-year-old Ward, who has played just an hour in the reserves so far this season, he would have no fears after nursing him through his rehabilitation.
Lambert said in his Friday press conference: "Wardy's been great. He's had his ups and downs like everybody else when you have a long-term injury.
"You get the rehab to a certain point then you hit the brick wall and then you go over the wall and kick on again. He's more than happy now to get going.
"I've had chats with him to keep his spirits up. He's had his bad days but you pick them up and let them go again.
"He's all right. He's ready if I ask him to play. It has been prolonged and we couldn't get to the bottom of the injury. The knee kept flaring up every time he trained.
"Thankfully that seems to have been dismissed now so he's ready to go.
"One thing about Wardy he won't let us down.
"I wouldn't have any fears about putting him in."