I-League: Nick Ward likely to play against Mohun Bagan

Neroca is currently on 31 points from 16 games, but second-placed Minerva Punjab FC has played two games less and has 29 in its kitty.

Nick Ward is expected to arrive in Imphal on Saturday morning (File Photo)

In a bid to brighten its title aspirations after winning against Churchill Brothers in its last outing, top of the table Neroca FC is likely to field new signing Nick Ward against Mohun Bagan on Sunday, a club official said.

Neroca is currently on 31 points from 16 games, but second-placed Minerva Punjab FC has played two games less and has 29 in its kitty.

Australian attacking midfielder Ward, who replaced Kyrgyzstani left winger Akhlidin Israilov in the squad, is expected to arrive in Imphal on Saturday morning, the official said.

READ: Williams' late strike lifts NEROCA above Minerva

“It is likely that he will play against Mohun Bagan. The coach has been craving for a striker and that’s why we got him for the last few games,” the official, requesting anonymity, said over phone.

Aussie midfielder Aryn Williams netted the winner in Neroca’s 1-0 win over Churchill in its last game at home and the Manipur club would want to continue the run and push for the title triumph.

Ward will be joining Neroca from the National Premier Leagues Victoria side Bentleigh Greens. The A-League winner with Melbourne Victory had an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear in 2015 when he signed for Western Sydney Wanderers.