Brotherly love set to be tested

Last updated : 15 April 2005 By Charlie Roper
Wardy
Ward: He ain't heavy...
It's going to be tense time in the Ward household this weekend as Millwall defender Darren Ward gets ready to face his brother Elliott at Upton Park tomorrow lunchtime.

It will be the first time that the two brothers have played against each other at this level and Darren is determined to get the better of his younger sibling. He's even gone as far as giving Dennis Wise one or two tips about Elliott's weaknesses.

But Hammers' manager Alan Pardew isn't unduly concerned and believes the younger Ward has improved since his older brother last watched him in action.

"I don't think Darren will have watched Elliott much in recent weeks," Pardew told the Evening Standard. "He has come on leaps and bounds.

"It will be a memorable day out for the Ward family. They knew they had one excellent central defender in Darren and now they find they have another."

That faith may be well and truly tested tomorrow as The Lions look to continue their impressive recent form against their bitter rivals. As reported on Millwall Mad earlier this week, both Kevin Muscat and Paul Ifill are set to return to the fold after and injury and manager Dennis Wise is even considering playing himself after his own fitness problems.

There's no news on the injury that kept Danny Dichio out of last weekend's clash against Crewe Alexandra so Ben May could start again up front alongisde Barry Hayles. Wise could elect to throw another surprise and play Bob Peeters, but that is highly unlikely.

West Ham meanwhile welcome back Matthew Etherington to their squad.