Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been backed to return an even stronger goalkeeper – by his biggest rival.

The experienced Marcus Hahnemann replaced Hennessey for Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Birmingham, as the Wales international was given some respite after the team conceded eight in two games losing to Premier League super-powers Arsenal and Chelsea.

At 37, Hahnemann is 15 years Hennessey’s senior and has seen it all before.

But the United States international believes the Wolves’ No 1 isn’t far behind when it comes to experience, after 102 club games and virtually two and a half years of unbroken football since his debut in the 2006/07 Championship play-off semi-final.

The veteran is convinced the Anglesey-born shotstopper will be better for his time-out from boss Mick McCarthy.

Hahnemann said: “Wayne has done nothing wrong – there’s no way anyone can fault him for anything. Things have happened and it was just nice to get a chance to play. When you’re playing Arsenal and Chelsea, you’re getting shots fired at you from all angles and it’s difficult.

“But he’ll have a break and come back stronger. He’s an awesome keeper, people forget that he’s still only 22 but he’s played 30 times for his country.

“No keepers do that by the time they’re 22, it just doesn’t happen. Most keepers haven’t played that often for their country until they’re 30.”

Hahnemann has had to wait patiently for his first Premier League game for Wolves.

But the former Reading keeper had mixed feelings, after conceding the winner to Lee Bowyer’s unstoppable chip with just three minutes on the clock.

He said: “It’s not the most pleasant thing in the world to pick the ball out of the net with your first touch. You dream of keeping a clean sheet on your debut.”