ELLIOTT Ward today said he would not rule out a permanent move to Nottingham Forest – but insisted his first aim is to prove he can still cut it in the Championship.
The Norwich defender believes he has joined a Reds side that is capable of securing promotion to the top flight.
And he says he would be open to the prospect of a permanent switch to the City Ground, were that to become an option in the future.
But Ward, 27, who will be in the squad heading to Barnsley today after joining on an initial month-long deal, insists that the first step is for him to force his way into Sean O'Driscoll's side.
"I would be open to it (a permanent move). But, first and foremost, I have other aims," said Ward.
"The first thing I want to do is to force my way into the squad, because this is a strong squad.
"I want to play some games, I want to make an impression and play well.
"If I can do that, we will see. We will see how the loan goes.
"I want to play in the Premier League and I am still a Norwich player.
"It is still down to them what happens, because they are my club.
"But I am here, I want to play some games first of all. If I do well, then we will see what happens.
"My priority is to get playing again first, before I think seriously about anything else."
Ward, who has won promotion with both West Ham and Norwich in the past, believes he has joined a side that is capable of securing a place in the Premier League.
"It was important to come to a club that has ambitions to play in the top flight," he said. "And there is a strong squad here.
"Forest really worked hard to get me to come here.
"They were the ones who wanted to make it happen, more than anyone else.
"There were a few other teams who were interested, but Forest were the ones who worked hard to make it happen.
"They were the ones who made me feel wanted."
