STEPHEN Ward is relishing the chance to take on world champions Germany after impressing on his league debut for Burnley at the weekend.

Ward started in an unfamiliar central midfield position for the depleted Clarets in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Leicester City but hopes he did enough to put himself in contention to retain his place when Burnley return to action at home to West Ham United on October 18.

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First the 29-year-old is on international duty, hoping to add to his 26 caps with the Republic of Ireland when they take on Gibraltar in Dublin on Saturday in the first of a European Championship qualifier double header.

Then they travel to Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday for a glamour clash with recently crowned world champions Germany. Ward hopes that the Irish can pull off an upset to leave him on a high when he returns to Turf Moor.

“It’s obviously a big task but if we can go there and get a result it will be a fantastic achievement for us,” he said.

“These are the games you want to play in. It’s an honour to represent your country at any level and if I get the chance to turn out for that game, or either game, it’s always a privilege.”

Ward could face increased competition for a place in the Burnley side on his return with the likes of David Jones and Dean Marney due back from injury by the time West Ham arrive in town.

The former Wolves man still sees himself as a left back but is more than happy to play elsewhere if it means getting increased game time, having been an unused substitute in the early league matches after his arrival at the club.

“Obviously I’m predominately a left back but if the manager calls upon me to play anywhere else I’ll be delighted to do so,” he said.

“I was happy to get the shirt on Saturday and it was a positive result for us.

“I’ve played in central midfield a couple of times before but not so often, not for a while!

“But it was great to play. The team and the squad have a great spirit and everyone really feels a part of it.

“The manager makes sure that when you are ready to be called upon everyone is ready to go, and that was the case on Saturday with a few changes that were probably forced upon us.

“I’ve worked hard since I came in. I’m still new around the club and obviously with them doing so well last year it was always going to be a patient game.”

Ward was part of the Wolves squad that gained promotion in 2009 and then stayed up for two successive seasons before relegation from the Premier League two years ago.

He believes the current Burnley squad have similar unity to the Wolves side that initially survived in the top flight.

“I said to a few of the lads when I signed, they said it was a similar feeling with the spirit, and it is similar to the first couple of years we had in the Premier League at Wolves,” Ward said.

“I think the fitness of the lads in this squad is amazing, I really noticed the difference when I came to the club.

“The manager has everyone right on the top of their game and on the top of their fitness, and that’s what you need in this league because the demands are so high.

“If we can keep going the way we did on Saturday, I’m sure the results will come.

“It was important we put on a performance after the game at West Brom. We’ve got two home games coming up after the international break and hopefully we can build on that result.

“We’ve got West Ham at home, and that’s a game we have to go and look to win.”