Hennessey tribute to Ikeme in battle to be Wolves No.1

The Welsh international, who completed his first 90 minutes this week after six months out with a cruciate ligament injury, already believes Carl Ikeme has established himself as one of the Championship's top keepers.

And the Welsh international acknowledges his journey back to senior football is only just beginning such has been the impact of his long-standing companion at Molineux.

"I've known Carl since we were in the Academy and I'm really pleased for him with how he has done," said Hennessey.

"He's had some tough times with injury and having had this I know what he has been through.

"He is a top lad and a fantastic goalkeeper and I hope he continues to do well. It's up to me to keep putting pressure on him and we'll see what happens.

"I'm ready to kick-on now and it's going to be a good battle. I think Wolves are fortunate to have three good goalkeepers on the books.

"Carl has been doing unbelievably and is one of the best in the division, I've been in a team which has won the division before and Dorus (de Vries) has come through the play-offs with Swansea.

"We've been here for a while and we all know about the competition for places when we are all fit. The more competition the better – it keeps you on your toes and there's no chance of anyone getting laid back or sloppy."

Hennessey was pleased with how his game stood up to its stiffest test yet on Monday night even though he was unable to prevent a 2-1 defeat for the reserves by Fulham.

"I feel big and strong and, touch wood, the knee has been brilliant," he said. "I feel like my reflexes and sharpness are back there now."

And he was eager to offer thanks to those both within and beyond the club who have helped him through the worst injury of his career.

"I've been pleased with the messages I've had from fans on Twitter supporting me – they have been fantastic," he said.