Carl Ikeme: Tomasz Kuszczak a great rival

Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has been backed to continue his heroics for Wolves - by the man who wants to replace him.

First-choice Carl Ikeme is three weeks away from returning to full training as he recovers from a broken bone in his foot.

Ikeme will be looking to get his place back when he is fully fit but he has been impressed with the way former Albion and Manchester United shot-stopper Kuszczak has performed in the meantime.

Wolves have won four, lost three and drew one in the eight games the Poland international has played, with three clean sheets and nine goals conceded.

Kuszczak's debut in the 2-1 home defeat against Reading on February 7 was his first game since leaving Brighton in May.

It came after training with League One side Oldham for three months before joining Wolves in November.

The experienced 32-year-old, who made 84 League appearances for the Seagulls - Wolves opponents this Saturday - quickly settled in and has looked a safe pair of hands.

But that has come as no surprise to Ikeme, saying: "He's done really well what he's had to do he's done really well.

"But it's no surprise to me because I've been training with him for three months and I've played against him a few times as well so I know he's a great keeper.

"We've always had good keepers here and that's the case now with Tomasz, 'Azzer' (Aaron McCarey) and young Flatty (Jon Flatt) so it's all good competition. When I come back I'll be back in the mix again."

Ikeme added: "We've been doing really well and we've had a good run of results.

"Unfortunately we haven't been able to break into that top six but we're right on the heels of everyone and it looks like it will come down to the last few games."

As for Ikeme, the 28-year-old believes he has used his absence from the action well by working hard in the gym and is determined to return stronger.

He said: "It was frustrating at the start but after the first few days you realise you've just got to get on with it.

"You can't change the past so I've just looked to progress in the gym and hopefully I'll come back a better goalkeeper."

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