Express & Star

Wolves are ready to sparkle, says Nouha Dicko

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Returning hotshot Nouha Dicko thinks Wolves could be building toward a sparkling second half to the season.

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The striker is expected to be back in the starting-line up for this evening's clash at Watford following a two-month hamstring injury enforced lay-off.

Dicko believes his return from the treatment room, together with the likes of defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell, is restoring the required depth to Kenny Jackett's squad.

"Now we have a situation where almost everyone in the squad is fit and available and I think that will make a real difference," he said.

"In that situation I have no doubt we will do well over the second half of the season.

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"It is a close division and when you look at the top teams we have beaten such as Middlesbrough and Norwich it was when all our players were available.

"You are always going to get injuries but now we have almost everyone available I think we can be a match for any team in such a competitive division."

Dicko, who does not yet know if he will be selected to play for Mali at next month's African Cup of Nations, made his competitive return as a second-half substitute appearance against Brighton last weekend.

And the four-goal striker believes he is now ready to start against both Watford and in Sunday's home game with Brentford at Molineux.

"Playing 45 minutes has prepared me well and given me a good feeling with the ball and my fitness and it has shown my hamstring is OK," he said.

"If the gaffer wants me to play I think I can play both games because after the second game against Brentford there is almost a week to recover before the game at Fulham in the FA Cup.

He added: "It's been quite hard not to be able to play and to sit watching."

"All you want to do is be out there playing and you can't do it but that is part of football.

"I'm just glad to be back doing what I like to do.

"It was the first time I've been injured this year and with a hamstring we have to be careful and make sure it is properly right because if I can't sprint I can't be at my best.

"It has to be completely right and now it feels like it is and hopefully I am back for the rest of the season."