Wolves’ £2.5m new-boy Steven Mouyokolo today declared he is finally ready for first-team action.

The 6ft 3ins centre-back is yet to play competitively for his new club after suffering ankle then hamstring injuries following his summer move from Hull.

But after four reserve games Mouyokolo believes he is now ready to challenge established centre-back pairing Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra after coming through his latest test in the reserves’ 2-1 defeat to Wigan on Tuesday.

“I’m ready. I think I’ve been ready for a week but I’m just waiting for my chance,” said the France-born stopper.

“I’ve played four full reserve games now and every time I’ve played, I’ve felt better and better.

“I felt good on Tuesday I’m very happy because I’ve made a good recovery, I’ve got my fitness back and everything is fine. The ankle has been fine for a long time and the hamstring is OK.”

Mouyokolo accepts he can’t expect to walk into the side. “I respect the manager’s choice,” he said.

“He has to think of the whole team, it’s not just about me.

“But when he needs me, I’ll be ready to give my best for this club.

“They (Craddock and Berra) have been playing together for almost two years now and people don’t always appreciate how important a partnership is.

“It’s so valuable to really know who your partner is because you develop an understanding and a confidence from playing together.

“You have confidence in each other to do well and you know which positions he’s going to take up. That’s very important and it’s something I have to live with. But I can also learn from it I watch the games and see how they play. ”

Mouyokolo believes only first-team football will restore his best form.

By TIM NASH