Skipper Jody Craddock today pledged to fight to retain his role in Wolves’ back four.

With the club in the market to bolster their back four next season, Craddock admits his place is under threat – but insists he will relish the challenge of fighting for it.

His words come on the day that Chelsea’s pacey defender Michael Mancienne emerged as a possible Wolves loan target later in the summer. He is one of a number of defender targets that Mick McCarthy has identified to strengthen Wolves’ defence.

But Craddock, who formed the first-choice defensive partnership with Gary Breen for most of the season, is determined to play a major part in what he thinks will be an exciting campaign.

“I know it’s going to be a challenge to keep my place in the team – especially if we’re looking to bring players in. But I’m not going to give up my place easily – I’ll battle hard to keep it.

“It has been the same every single year of my career – the club I play for have signed a defender.

“That is usually a good thing because it gives the team a few extra options. It adds a bit of competition and keeps you on your toes,” he said.

Wolves face a tough start – hosting Watford before visiting fellow promotion favourites Sheffield Wednesday.

“It is going to be a very open division again and I think we’ve got a real chance. We proved last year that we’re a good team and there is no reason to think we can’t come close again,” he said.

Mancienne is the latest young star on Wolves’ radar. They are also considering possible loan moves for Chelsea’s Scott Sinclair and Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson. Mancienne, 19, who spent much of last season at QPR, fits the bill of providing pace.

McCarthy could make a move if he fails to land one of his priority defender targets before pre-season.