George Elokobi fights to keep Wolves place

George Elokobi today insisted he is happy to fight for his place at Wolves – but admitted he needs to be playing regularly.

Last season Elokobi lost the left-back spot to Stephen Ward, who played every minute of every game as Wolves were relegated from the Premier League.

Elokobi ended up on loan at Nottingham Forest, playing 12 games before returning to figure in Wolves' last home game against Everton. The 26-year-old was yesterday linked with a return to Forest on a permanent basis to follow Adlene Guedioura.

News of those rumours surprised both Wolves and Elokobi, as neither had heard anything about a return to the City Ground.

But the Cameroon-born defender admits this is a big season for him.

"My aim for the season is just to play well for Wolves, like I did in the 2010-11 season," said Elokobi, who played 32 games in all competitions that campaign.

"I felt I had a great season then and I'm looking to repeat that. I just want to be part of Wolves' team. I enjoyed my football for Nottingham, helping to keep them up. Then I came back and played against Everton and if anyone doubted whether I was hungry to play for Wolves, they must have seen the truth then.

"The team might not have had anything to play for, but I had something to play for.

"I could go somewhere else and play, but I'll always give my all for this club as long as I'm contracted here.

"I love the club, I love the fans and everyone here and I respect the players.

"I've been here for four-and-a-half years so that should tell you something.

"I'm coming to my peak years so I just want to be playing football. At my age I feel I should be playing week-in, week-out, especially in the Championship."

Elokobi added: "I was always going to come back. The former gaffer gave me the chance to get some games because I'm not one to sit around on the bench."

Elokobi also wants to be playing to further his international ambitions after losing his place for Cameroon.

"By not playing much last season, I lost my chance to play for Cameroon," he said.