TONY Pulis looks set to continue with Joel Ward at left-back against Chelsea on Saturday.
The former Portsmouth man switched to the left side of the defence after Dean Moxey was forced off with a hamstring injury after 25 minutes against Cardiff City last weekend.
But Pulis hinted at his Thursday press conference that he was happy with Adrian Mariappa's contribution with Ward on the opposite side, and he could play the pair again at Stamford Bridge.
"It was only a grade one tear," Pulis said when asked of Moxey's scan earlier this week.
"I thought Wardy did well at left-back. The lads said Deano trained well today too.
"Moxey is the only one we're a bit concerned about, but most of them have trained well this week.
"I felt Mariappa did well at right-back. We looked solid enough with that pairing.
"This team is not about the defence. It's about keeping the ball and getting the ball into areas when we get it. It's not just about the back four and goalkeeper."
The club's other left-back Jonathan Parr has been touted as a replacement to make his first appearance of the season, but Pulis admitted he hasn't seen enough of the Norwegian international.
"The problem with Jonny Parr is I haven't seen him play," said the boss.
"I have seen players train but not playing in any (reserve) games."
