James McFadden looks set to sign a contract with Wolves after impressing in a week’s training with the club.

The 28-year-old Scotland international, who is a free agent after leaving Birmingham in May, trained with the main group today as Mick McCarthy’s squad prepared for Saturday’s trip to Liverpool.

McCarthy is keen to land the Scot, who could solve Wolves’ striker shortage with Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake injured recently, as soon as possible after he recovered from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Asked if he’s looking to sign McFadden, McCarthy said: “I want to sign him now and I sincerely hope we can.

“He had a knee injury but he’s recovered from that and he looks fine.

“He’s been training this week and he’s a talented lad who is a good character and he’s fitted in really well.

“He’s enjoyed it, we’ve enjoyed having him and he’ll be a great addition to our squad.”

McCarthy hinted there was no risk involved in the signing.

“If he’s fit, it’s no tremendous challenge to him because he’s a good quality, Premier League player.

“He’s not fully fit because he’s just coming back but I don’t anticipate it will take that long.

“If we ever get down to the brass tacks he will have a medical but he’s trained with us all week and our medics and physios have looked at him and we’re all pleased with him.”

The versatile former Everton forward has recovered from a cruciate knee ligament injury that has kept him out of action since August 2010n and is building up his fitness and trying to win a deal.

McFadden, who last played on September 12, 2010, can play as a main striker, behind a front man or in either wide position.

Signed by Alex McLeish for £5m from Everton in January 2008, McFadden scored 14 goals in 88 games for Blues, helping them to promotion in 2009, then, along with Roger Johnson, ninth place the following season and the Carling Cup last term.

Prior to that, he bagged 18 goals in 139 matches in five years for Everton, who he joined from Motherwell for £1.25m in 2003.