Jody Craddock faces wait at Wolves

Jody Craddock today admitted he faces a wait to reclaim his place as Wolves defensive kingpin because of Richard Stearman's form.

Craddock has resumed training in a bid to return to contention for Saturday's clash against Bolton after recovering from a hip injury.

The 35-year-old was Wolves' best defender before being sidelined just two minutes into the 1-1 draw against West Ham on October 16.

But Stearman has excelled in Craddock's absence, producing the best form of his Wolves career alongside Christophe Berra.

And despite a series of solid performances before the injury, Craddock conceded he can't expect to walk straight back into Mick McCarthy's starting line-up.

"Touch wood, I'm hoping to be fit this week," said Craddock.

"But I need to train so I wouldn't expect to be chucked straight back into the team. It doesn't work like that. I've been out for a few weeks so the main thing is to get back training and hopefully that will be this week."

Craddock is the first to recognise Stearman's impressive form and believes there is much more to come from the 23-year-old.

"If he continues playing like that, I'll have a very tough time getting back in the team," said the evergreen stopper.

"He could go on to do fantastic things, which is a credit to him because he's waited for his chance and worked hard."

Stearman feels his performances over the last four games have given McCarthy a selection dilemma.

"Myself and Christophe have formed quite a formidable partnership over the past few games," said the former Leicester defender.

"We've come up against some of the best strikers in the world but I feel we've handled them pretty well."

By TIM NASH