Steven Fletcher hands Wolves a boost ahead of Wigan match

Steven Fletcher today handed Wolves a welcome boost when he returned to full training ahead of Sunday's crunch clash against Wigan.

The three-goal top scorer took part in a full workout at Compton with the rest of the squad.

Wolves' £7m club record signing has missed the last three Premier League games with a torn calf sustained in training before the West Brom game.

Manager Mick McCarthy said on Wednesday that the former Burnley hitman was unlikely to be fit in time for this weekend.

Fletcher might not be in the starting line-up, but if McCarthy sticks with the 4-4-1-1 formation used in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Manchester City, he could make the bench.

McCarthy today admitted Sunday's huge clash against Wigan is one of 12 'must-win' games for Wolves this season.

Wolves go into the game with two points out of the last 24 while the rock-bottom Latics have lost seven in a row.

Like the fans, McCarthy sees this match as one from which his team must gain three points to lift the growing pressure on himself and his players.

"I reckon we have 12 must-win games, wherever they come from," said McCarthy, who didn't identify the clashes.

Importance

"We won 11 games last season. This one is huge.

"Without me adding to the pressure by saying 'it's a must-win game', it's a hugely important one for us because it's against a team that have just lost seven and we've lost six out of seven.

"I don't need to stress the importance of it and I'm sure (Wigan boss) Roberto Martinez doesn't either."

The Molineux chief admits Wolves must meet expectations of the fans on Sunday lunch-time.

"I wouldn't say we're lacking in confidence, particularly as we've played well in the last two games," he said.

"But it's about playing well against Wigan when the expectation is different, of course. Confidence does help.

"There are two teams on Sunday obviously lacking confidence and it's about who finds it.

"We weren't expected to beat Manchester City but we played well."