Richard Stearman return to give Wolves boost

Relieved Wolves defender Richard Stearman today revealed his delight after a month's absence was turned into a week.

Stearman, who was already playing with a broken toe, is available for Sunday's huge clash with Sunderland just two weeks after breaking his wrist in the 2-1 defeat at Everton.

Boss Mick McCarthy had feared the former Leicester man would be absent for a minimum of four weeks.

But an operation to pin the joint and the protection of a carbon fibre cast plus strapping has enabled the 24-year-old to train. And Stearman is ready to put his body on the line in the Black Cats showdown.

"I'd prepared myself for a long absence but when we went to see the surgeon he thought it could be a lot less if the operation went well," said Stearman.

"Thankfully it did and here I am, in with a chance.

"I had to get the cast moulded to my arm and with a lot of strapping I've been able to train.

"Without all that it feels a bit fragile, but once it's all strapped up, it's good to go. I'm able to play with the cast if selected so I'm ready."

Wolves made a habit last season of producing some of their most stirring performances when they really needed a positive result, as they do this weekend after eight defeats in 10.

They beat Sunderland and Manchester City after four successive defeats, and toppled Chelsea and Manchester United when they were rock bottom.

"This is another of those massive games," said Stearman. "But we seem to produce our best form in these situations when our backs are up against the wall.

"There are still little things we need to get right and we've been working hard on the training pitch to improve on all those."