Wolves left back in waiting Matt Hill is relishing the chance to play his part against Birmingham.

Hill’s appearances have been few and far between this season, both because of injury and the form of Stephen Ward. But the 27-year-old is pencilled in and is eager to play his part in the team’s recovery, after defeat to his old club Preston.

The August signing said: “Every time you go out there, you want to prove yourself and try to get a regular spot. ‘Wardy’ has been in there and been playing really well and all I can do is keep pushing and keep knocking on the door.

“That can only be good for the team and the squad.”

He continued: “You always look to bounce back quickly after a defeat. You can’t look to the past – you have to learn from what happened, keep looking forward and put it right. Winning is a good habit and we want to get back on track.

“It’s disappointing to lose no matter who you’re playing. It was at home, where we always look to win, but it didn’t happen. It was a bad day at the office but you have to give Preston credit – they did very well and we’ve just got to put it right tonight.”

Richard Stearman joined captain Karl Henry and Stephen Ward in urging supporters not to panic.

Stearman said: “We’re still four points clear at the top, which I think people forget. If someone had offered us that position at the start of the season – four points clear with 19 games to go – I think we’d have snapped their hands off.

“No one’s panicking here and we’ve just got to keep going as we have, starting.”