Wolves scorer Kevin Doyle with Karl Henry

Kevin Doyle has praised the Molineux masses for creating the “uplifting” platform for Wolves to secure Premier League survival.

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Wolves go into today’s lunchtime clash with Villa having won just once in front of their own fans in four games this season, the 2-1 success over Fulham on September 20. Mick McCarthy’s side have drawn against Hull and been beaten by fellow strugglers West Ham and Portsmouth.

But they have played well in all four home games this season and £6.5m record signing Doyle reckons the gold and black hordes are creating the right environment for the team to flourish.

“They’re making it easy for us to go out there and be motivated on the pitch,” said the Republic of Ireland international.

“They know we’re not going to win every game – I don’t know what it was like last season, but I presume it’s a different feeling this season.

“They know they can’t expect us to win every game this season like they might have done in the Championship.

“Their patience will help us as well, as long as they’re cheering us and making plenty of noise.”

Doyle revealed he has responded to the impressive volume levels created home and away by the fans.

The 26-year-old striker’s form – plus three goals – have seen him quickly develop a rapport with Wolves fans so anxious to crown new heroes. And he has been rewarded with his own song.

“I really enjoy the fans – the noise and the atmosphere they make is very special, both away from home and at home,” he said.

“I know it’s a clichŽ for footballers to say that, but not all fans are as loud as ours so to play in that atmosphere is great for me.

“It’s uplifting, and this is a new club for me so I’ve still got that adrenaline from being in fresh surroundings.”

Doyle is confident he and his team-mates can turn their home form around.

“I’m sure we’ll put in a good performance against Villa. We play better against the better teams as well,” he added.

Wolves are without defenders Kevin Foley (medial knee ligaments) and Michael Mancienne (virus) but Chris Iwelumo is set to replace Stefan Maierhofer, who is suspended for today’s game after his sending off against Everton last weekend.