Former Shrewsbury midfielder Dave Edwards today returned to full training to give Wolves a fitness boost.

The Wales international has not played since February because of a back injury but rejoined his team-mates this morning for the first time in pre-season.

“Dave has stepped up his training and has had no reaction to his back,” said boss Mick McCarthy.

“He was a lot more upbeat this morning, but it’s just a question of progressing him and seeing if we can get him involved at some stage.”

McCarthy, meanwhile, refused to say how his talks with free agent Thomas Hitzlsperger went.

The former Villa midfielder was at Molineux last week for discussions after leaving West Ham at the end of the season.

“I won’t discuss transfer targets,” said the boss.

Meanwhile, midfielder Adlene Guedioura was today seeing a specialist to determine the extent of his ankle injury.

The Algeria World Cup star has not yet played in pre-season after returning to training with the problem in his right ankle and was visiting the consultant to discover how bad it is.

“Addy is going to see a specialist today about his ankle – we hope it’s not too serious,” said McCarthy.

With David Jones released and reports suggesting Liverpool’s Jay Spearing has snubbed a season-long loan move to Wolves, Guedioura’s absence has meant Wolves have had a shortage of central midfielders with Edwards unable to play.

Jamie O’Hara made his comeback in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Notts County, when academy graduate David Davis played.

And McCarthy revealed Davis had been held back from going out on loan because of the shortage of players in the middle.

“I need him here at the moment, as cover for the others,” said the boss.

Striker Sam Vokes will miss Wednesday’s friendly at Celtic with his groin injury but should be fit for Saturday’s trip to Ipswich.

By JAMES GARRISON