Villa’s derby-day goal king Gabby Agbonlahor is set to be passed fit for tomorrow’s Molineux meeting – but could have to settle for a place on the bench.

The striker, who has scored in five of his last seven derby appearances, came through training yesterday after limping off with calf trouble in the first half of Wednesday’s Carling Cup win over Blackburn.

However, he could still find himself among the substitutes after boss Gerard Houllier lavished praise on Emile Heskey for his midweek display and revealed he now sees Ashley Young in a supporting role. There was mixed news on Villa’s two Irishmen with Richard Dunne (knee) ruled out of the clash.

However, Stephen Ireland could feature after missing out in midweek with a dead leg. But the same problem will rule out Ciaran Clark.

Houllier, who has now signed his three-year Villa contract, said: “Gabby trained practically normally yesterday morning. Stephen Ireland returned to training yesterday as well. He’s got a chance.

“Richard won’t be playing. I hope to get him back for the Tottenham game. Ciaran didn’t train due to the dead leg.”

Houllier insists Villa will head to Molineux taking nothing for granted and he expects to have a better idea of what his strongest team is by the middle of next week.

“We were happy with the win over Blackburn but it showed bits of what we have to improve and we are not carried away by the fact we won the game,” he added.

“We want to progress and improve in many aspects and, with a bit of time we will make it.

“Next week we have a reserve game and also another game arranged for the rest of the squad so by the middle of next week I will know all the players.

“Training gives you a good indication but I want to see them in game situations, how they react mentally to different things.”

Houllier expects a fiercely-contested clash against a Wolves side who have been accused of being overly-physical in some sections of the national media.

But he insists there is no chance of his team being bullied by the home team. “We’re not softies,” said Houllier.

“We can handle it.

“A tackle is not going to frighten any player of Aston Villa.”