Toils will make Wolves stronger, says Sam Ricketts

The 33-year-old former Telford defender admits confidence is low after four straight defeats which have sent Kenny Jackett's side plummeting from the top three into mid-table.

But heading into this Saturday's meeting with Bournemouth at Molineux, Ricketts is adamant Wolves are up for the battle and believes the lessons of the past few weeks will not be ignored.

"Of course there is going to be confidence lacking with the way results have gone but it is a test for us now and we need to come through it," he said.

"We will be a better side when we do come through it, so hopefully that is sooner rather than later."

Ricketts is keen for Saturday's meeting with the Cherries to be the start of the revival after stressing how quickly things can turn around.

And he claims Wolves are not fazed by the challenge posed by Eddie Howe's visitors, who are unbeaten in their last 11 games.

"Every game in this league is hard, but by the same token we feel we can beat anyone in this league as well," he said.

"Yes, we are not playing very well at the minute but next week is a new week and we will be going out there trying to give our best and we will see what happens.

"That's how quick things can change and if we were to go on the same run the likes of Brentford have done and won five on the bounce we would be straight back up there as well.

"There is an awfully long way to go."

An improved defensive display would go a long way to helping Wolves' cause after conceding 14 goals during their losing run.

Ricketts acknowledges they were again below par in last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Brentford but insists there are enough strong characters in the dressing room to turn things round.

"It is going to take hard work but we have honesty in the group and that is what we need," he said.

"We set up to defend as a team at Brentford and defend in a certain way and we did that well in the first half. In the second half we were trying to get goals back and we lost our compactness."