Captain Karl Henry insists the bitter memory of two promotion misses would show Wolves have the character and steel to overcome their first defeat of the season.

The Molineux skipper insists the dressing room are united in their determination to bounce back, after a 3-0 defeat to Reading ended their best start to a season since 1949.

He said: “We’ve got character in the side and we’ve got to show a bit of steel – sometimes when the going gets tough, you need your players to be there.“

“A lot of the team that has been involved in two disappointing ends to the seasons – losing in the play-offs the first season and finishing seventh last time – are still here.

“I know we’re better players now and better equipped for dealing with this. We’re men and we need to get on with it by going to Swansea and putting on a performance to bounce back.”

Wolves will have to do so without Matt Jarvis and almost certainly Michael Kightly, who suffered hamstring injuries last night, as well as the suspended Chris Iwelumo.

Henry accepts their absence is a huge blow but backed the strength of the squad to cope.

He said: “With Chris Iwelumo, Kites and Jarvo out, that’s three of our four attacking players who have been tremendous this season.

“To have to cope without them on Saturday and maybe longer in the case of ‘Kites’ and ‘Jarvo’ is really disappointing.

“But we’ve got good players – Dave Edwards can come in and Michael Gray is a great pro who’s doing it day in and day out in training.

“You don’t play 550 League games and win England caps if you’re a poor player.”