Striker Chris Iwelumo believes he may have cracked a couple of ribs on his way to his hat-trick for Wolves at Preston on Saturday.

The 30-year-old striker made it eight goals for the season with his second treble as a professional in the 3-1 win at Deepdale.

Iwelumo opened his account with an overhead kick that stunned keeper Andy Lonergan following Dave Jones’ cross in the 35th minute.

The former Stoke and Colchester man revealed he had a painful landing!

He said: “I was going for goal. I’ve never attempted an overhead kick in my life and I think I broke a couple of ribs on my way down!

“I was as shocked as anyone when I turned around and saw the ball in the back of the net! I’ll take any and every goal I can get.”

Iwelumo paid tribute to his team-mates for creating the chances that helped him on his way to his first hat-trick, since hitting four for Colchester in a 5-1 win over Hull in 2006.

He said: “I was buzzing but it was all credit to the players around me and the competition for places we’ve got. We had ‘Vokesy’ (Sam Vokes) come on and score two against Charlton and did fantastic.

“We’re all working for each other and playing for each other. That’s what it’s all about. To have scored eight goals by the middle of September, I’m delighted.

“It was the first hat-trick since my first season in the Championship with Colchester, when I scored four against Hull and we won 5-1. I’ve got the boys to sign the matchball. The ball can go with the other one I’ve got.”0

Iwelumo revealed he was the least surprised of anyone at Deepdale to see his 72nd minute penalty go in – because of his unblemished record from the spot.

He said: “I don’t miss. That’s 20 out of 20 penalties I’ve scored. I’m the penalty man and there would definitely have been an argument, if Sylv had still been on and tried to take it off me!

“I suppose the second one was meat and drink for me – converting crosses, which is what it’s about.”

Wolves’ sixth successive win put them three points clear at the top. Iwelumo insists he and his team-mates have got what it takes to stay in contention.

He said: “We’re top of the league and we’ve got that winning mentality. I’ve said it from the start what a good bunch of players we’ve got here.

“We’re a good, honest bunch who enjoy winning and scoring goals. We love being together and just being around the training ground feels fantastic.”

The former Charlton man believes complacency will not be a problem to Wolves, as they aren’t looking too far ahead.

He said: “Everyone wants to play every game and we want to win every match, but we’re taking it one game at a time.

“It’s still early doors because we’ve got 39 games to go, but we’re a good bunch and if we don’t go up, it won’t be for lack of trying.”