Premier League peak for David Jones

David Jones today insisted Wolves are moving through the gears so they peak for the Premier League season.

Jones scored Wolves' consolation as they suffered their first pre-season defeat in a 2-1 reverse against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night.

It was a result that checked expectations after three successive wins.

But 16 days before the big kick-off against Stoke, the midfielder believes defeats are all part of a much bigger picture at this stage of preparations.

"Before Reading, we'd had three wins from three games and so to lose put things in perspective as to where we're at in terms of pre-season," said Jones.

"I think we've got a few more levels to go through until we're firing on all cylinders but the Reading game was definitely a good workout for us.

"Now with the season drawing closer, we've got a few more games like the Reading one which is what we need.

"I'm sure people will see us putting in better performances as time goes on."

Jones believes these games are vital to iron out any problems and hone their games.

"Maybe against Reading there were a couple of misplaced passes at key moments which I think we'll sort out in the next couple of weeks," he said.

"We'll get better. For example, the Reading game was the first time I'd played with Adlene Guedioura since last season because he's been away at the World Cup.

"He looked sharp and, when Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake came on in the second half with me, I thought we looked good.

"Sylvan's looking sharp - he's looking like a man possessed - and we know Fletch has got quality.

"So it was good to get on for 45 minutes."

And Jones also gave his approval to the blooding of youngsters Danny Batth and Ashley Hemmings.

After impressing against Walsall the previous week, Batth played 82 minutes and Hemmings the first half at the Madejski, while Sam Winnall and David Davis were late substitutes.

"It's a big step for them but Danny put in a good performance at centre-back," he said.

"He had good experience last season at Colchester and now he's pushing on and the other lads who came in did well too. They've been training with us in pre-season and playing games will only give them confidence.

"They will get to know us better and feel more comfortable with us which is important because I think we've got some good quality among the young pros.

"I think if they work hard and don't get fazed by playing in decent stadiums, I'm sure they will grow more as players."