Wolves' Jody Craddock is ready to take on Stoke

Evergreen Wolves defender Jody Craddock today declared he is ready to take on Stoke but is expecting to have to play a waiting game to win his place back long term.

The 35-year-old had his third game since recovering from his thigh injury in Tuesday's 2-0 reserve defeat against Albion.

Craddock knows if he excels in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie against the Potters then he could put himself in line to face Bolton and Manchester United the following week.

But he feels the current central defensive pairing Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra have done enough to stay in the team.

"I think Christophe and Stearman have been doing very well," he said.

"So even I did well on Sunday, I'd be surprised if I carried on in the team because I think they've been doing well enough to hold their positions down.

"I'm happy to hold on and wait for every time I get an opportunity to do the best I can."

Craddock could be part of a changed back four at the weekend if boss Mick McCarthy chooses to go with the same players who played in the second string in midweek, with Steven Mou-yokolo and George Elokobi needing games, while Matt Doherty could play again at right-back.

And although Craddock is still being troubled by the scar tissue he had injected, he is fine to play through the discomfort.

By TIM NASH