Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards believes tomorrow’s clash against Birmingham could be a turning point in the club’s season.

Edwards has given Mick McCarthy a boost on the eve of the game by declaring himself available for the fixture, after four matches out with a thigh injury.

And the 24-year-old former Shrewsbury Town player said: “I think there’s probably more competition in terms of staying up this time.

“It was never easy last season but the situation at Portsmouth helped the rest of us and the teams that have come up are stronger than those that went down.

“We need to up our game and make sure we get the points — but that’s a challenge we’re all looking forward to.

“Wolves lost last season’s corresponding fixture 1-0 in November but produced a decent run of form towards the end of the season as they avoided an instant return to the Championship.

And Edwards admitted: “Blues here last season was the ultimate low.

“We were in the bottom three and weren’t playing well and had lost a local derby. Hopefully this year it will prove the turning point where we can get our season back on track.”

Edwards’ return is well-timed as McCarthy is having to cope without several of his midfield personnel, with second-bottom Wanderers seeking a fourth home win of the season to improve their survival hopes.

The former Republic of Ireland boss is waiting on the fitness of Michael Mancienne (knee) and David Jones (foot) — but Karl Henry (knee) and Adlene Guedioura (broken leg) are out long term, while David Davis is suspended.

Edwards is looking forward to returning and said: “I trained all week and it feels all right.

“I started off fairly lightly and didn’t do anything too risky but as the week goes on I’ve become more and more confident.”