Wolves striker Liam McAlinden braced for Stevenage clash

Three days after grinding out another precious three points at Milton Keynes Dons, Kenny Jackett's side return to action with their first visit to The Lamex.

And with Graham Westley's side known for being highly competitive, McAlinden – who bagged his first League goal for Wolves on Saturday – sees another tough assignment in prospect.

"It's going to be a tough game," said the 20-year-old striker. "They're in half-decent form and picking up a few points here and there.

"The pitch won't be much better than it was on Saturday so we'll have to put on another battling performance like we did at the weekend. It didn't help us or them because we couldn't get our football going on it. It wasn't great for our game because we try to pass it through the lines and get people involved, but we came through and won, which is the main thing.

"We've got enough goals and quality in our team to win any game in this league and we proved that again. We're all in it together and we're in a great position."

Tonight's rearranged clash is Wolves' game in hand on third-placed Leyton Orient and victory will put them 13 points ahead of the Os. But the opposition are fighting for their lives and won't need motivating for the visit of the League One leaders.

Two points from the safety line, Stevenage have only lost two of their last nine and rarely is there more than one goal deciding their games.

"It's a tough game in hand and we've got to get ourselves up for it as a team," said McAlinden.

"And if we can get the right result, we'll be nine points ahead of Brentford, and although they'll have two games in hand, it will be up to them to try to catch us."

As for McAlinden, the youngster is happy to continue playing the long game knowing his big chance will come. Saturday's game was only his fifth League appearance for Wolves and he is still to start a League game. He is expected to be back on the bench tonight behind Nouha Dicko and Leon Clarke.

But he is confident in his ability to do well for Wolves at this level after scoring three goals in nine appearances on loan at Shrewsbury earlier this season.

Even before Saturday's winner, he has proved he can be a threat, having efforts disallowed against MK Dons at home and at Brentford, while going close on his debut against Burnley last April.

"I know where I am at the minute – I'm still learning," he said. "They've got a lot more experience than me, but the gaffer knows if he does need a goal like Saturday and he wants to change it around then I've proved it at Shrewsbury that I'm ready."

"I haven't had much game time since I came back from my loan, but I think I've done as well as I can when I've come on.

"The gaffer has told me I'm doing well and to keep working and I'll get my chance, and he gave me my chance on Saturday and it paid off for both of us.

"The gaffer has always been straight with us.

"He knows he's got a good group of lads who can play striker.

"Clarkey and Nouha are both experienced and have plenty of goals in them.

"I think I can join that bunch now. I think I can produce at this level and hopefully the gaffer believes that as well."