Midfielder Dave Edwards insists Wolves have what it takes to hold off Birmingham and rest of the pack as the Championship marathon heads into the winter slog.

Wolves are six points clear of Alex McLeish’s stuttering side who they host in an eagerly-awaited Molineux showdown on November 29, and seven ahead of much-fancied Reading.

“I think we’ve got the best squad in the league – you look at teams such as Birmingham and they’re grinding out results and you wonder how long that can go on for,” said Edwards.

“I think we’ve got a strong enough squad to withstand injuries and suspensions do hit us and carry on this good form.

“People questioned our form when we lost two away games and that was a bit silly because after losing three in four, we’ve bounced back with real character.

“I think that’s what this team has got – it’s a young team, but we’ve got bags of experience from the games we’ve all played and that’s thanks to the gaffer playing all the young lads.

“We’re just trying to keep these wins rolling on and hopefully we can build a bigger lead at the top of the table.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up and Southampton have improved, but the way we performed on Saturday, we can match any team.

“Hopefully we can keep this run going and it will all come together.

Edwards insists Wolves have no problem coping with being top – for fear of being hit in the pocket if they talk about promotion and titles.

“If the gaffer heard us talking about the title, he’d have us fined,” said the Welsh international.

“It’s very easy to keep our feet on the ground with the gaffer because he won’t allow anyone get above themselves.”

• Former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole has confirmed his retirement.
  

By TIM NASH