Ashley Ward is ready for his next dose of bumps, bashes and bruises.

City's centre-forward takes his fair share of tough treatment dished out by rival defenders. And he can expect plenty more where that came from when Rotherham are at Valley Parade tomorrow.

Ward said: "A lot of centre-halves in the First Division are solid pros who like to give it out. As a striker you come to expect it.

"It's a compliment in a way. You wouldn't like to think they didn't see you as a threat and weren't bothered about giving you a kick.

"Rotherham is always a physical game although apparently they pass the ball around more this year. We'll find out how much football they play but I expect to get a few more whacks."

Ward began last season with two goals on the opening day but is still to break his present duck in five attempts. Not that he's had too many chances so far.

"That's how it goes from time to time although I should have scored against Wolves with a header. I knocked it back instead of going for goal.

"I had a header wide in the Stoke game but I think he gave offside anyway.

"Last season we were one of the top-scoring sides in the league but near the bottom. This year we've not got as many goals but we've picked up some good points.

"It's important we get the right balance and although it's not been a great start, when you consider everything that's happened then the lads have stuck at it."

Boss Nicky Law is keen that his team do not waste Monday night's shock success at Ipswich, where City claimed their first win of the season.

It was a result that stunned just about everyone although the three points were richly deserved.

Ward admitted: "I think it was the best performance since I've been here.

"It was a night when you were proud to be in the team, especially when nobody in the whole country gave us a chance. In this division there is no harder place to go.

"The pitch was perfect for Ipswich to play their passing football but by the end they were reduced to pumping high balls in the box.

"Ipswich are one of the best passing teams in the country, even in the Premiership they did it tremendously. But we forced them out of that.

"What really sticks in my mind was the work rate which was phenomenal from every player.

"The way we hounded and chased every ball was a credit to everyone. Considering our situation that was an absolutely fantastic result.

"Ipswich and Wolves are the two sides who are supposed to run away with it this season. But we've proved that if we can get a strong 11 out - and that's not easy with all the injuries - then we can give anyone in this division a game.

"Unfortunately the injuries are unbelievable. With a small squad you think you'd have less out not more."