Captain Karl Henry has been described as the difference behind Wolves’ blistering start to the season – after being dubbed ‘the dictator.’

The 25-year-old has been the driving force in the Wolves midfield as Mick McCarthy’s side have soared to their best start for 46 years.

Striker Andy Keogh believes the biggest single difference has been the skipper.

Keogh said: “Karl Henry looks like a new man this season – he’s a lot better than I thought he was last season. He’s really dictating the games and he’s only going to get better.

“Karl’s worked hard and had a good pre-season and he’s relishing being the main central midfielder, holding the team together. He’s the main difference for me.”

Henry, with Neill Collins and Stephen Ward, are the unsung heroes alongside Michael Kightly, Matt Jarvis, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Chris Iwelumo.

McCarthy revealed that every player would select Henry as the first name on the teamsheet – and his contribution is certainly appreciated by Keogh.

He said: “Everyone looks at our attacking players because they’re easy on the eye and very good footballers. People like Karl just sit there, break play up, make simple passes and stop the opposition slotting balls through.”

Wolves take their challenge to fellow promotion hopefuls Preston on Saturday and despite the difficulty of their task, Keogh has vowed to take the game to the hosts.

He said: “It will be difficult because they’re flying like us. We just have to make sure we go there and perform as we have been. There’s no reason why we can’t take the game to them like we have done in other games.”