Sylvan Ebanks-Blake believes there is mileage in his Wolves partnership with Andy Keogh.

Chris Iwelumo’s three-match ban allows boss Mick McCarthy the chance to re-unite the partnership that scored 18 goals in 19 games last season and started this campaign – or he could draft in Sam Vokes.

Although Keogh replaced an exhausted Ebanks-Blake in the 3-1 win at Preston last week, they were paired together in the two previous games against Charlton when Ebanks-Blake scored and Crystal Palace, when Keogh got off the mark.

Speaking recently, Ebanks-Blake said: “It would be nice to build on the partnership with Keogh but the gaffer picks the team and we all support each other.

“Whoever is playing, we try to score goals and win games to try to progress.

“I’ve played with Keogh for longer than I have with anyone else – I haven’t had too many games with Chris or Sam, so it’s difficult to compare.

“It’s been a good partnership with Keogh. We’re trying to build an understanding, but that comes with time and games.

“I am happy to play with any of them as long as I’m playing. That’s probably a bit of selfishness in me but I want to be playing.”

Ebanks-Blake feels the competition up front is now mirrored through the side, with Dave Edwards and Darren Potter pushing Dave Jones ansd Karl Henry hard for their places in central midfield.

Jason Shackell and Darren Ward are also keenly contesting the centre-back berths with Neill Collins and Richard Stearman.

Stearman can also play right-back, while George Friend wants the left-back berth that Stephen Ward has made his own.

Michael Gray and Keogh can operate wide on either flank and Stephen Ward can play left wing.

McCarthy believes he now has two players of at least Championship standard competing for every position in the side.

He said: “We’re very much a team so whoever plays, we will all support each other.

“We’ve all got the same goal which is three points on a Saturday and we’ll see where it takes us.