Karl Henry has been backed to become Wolves’ Premier League enforcer by the man who knows him best at Molineux.

Wolves confirmed yesterday their midfield anchorman has agreed a four-year deal that ties him to his home-town club to 2013.

The club continue to negotiate to add competition for him, however, after missing out on Portsmouth-bound Blackburn man Aaron Mokeona.

Henry, 26, was the second most used player as Wolves won the Championship title.

But although he has never played in the top flight before, striker Chris Iwelumo reckons his former Stoke team-mate can perform on the highest domestic stage.

“I’ve known Karl for almost 10 years since we were together at Stoke and he’s always a player I felt could operate at the highest level,” said Iwelumo.

“In the Championship Karl’s been able to break up play really well and doing it in the Premier League is going to be an even bigger challenge.

“When you think of some of the top players in an attacking position, trying to break things up and stop them playing becomes even more important.

“But Karl’s a great player himself – he knows what he’s got to do and he’s got it in his locker to deal with that sort of threat.

“Hopefully he’ll come out on top more often than not.

“Karl’s the sort of player that every team needs.”

Iwelumo added: “Like myself, he’s had to wait a long time for his chance in the Premier League and I know how determined he’ll be to prove himself in that company.

“I think Karl has had an excellent season, there’s no other player in the squad who can do what he does.

“He’s got that knack of breaking up play and getting hold of the ball, but he’s also got plenty of confidence and can pick a pass as well.

“He must be one of the first names on the teamsheet and has played in most of the games this season.

“The new contract is thoroughly deserved.

“It takes him to 30 and gives him the extra security as well as the chance to become even more of a key figure at Wolves.

“I know he’ll still want to improve, especially now as he’s faced with the challenge of the Premier League.”