No pain no gain for Nenad Milijas

Wolves midfielder Nenad Milijas is hoping to show fans the early benefits of his mini pre-season.

The Serbia international, who is in the starting line-up against Notts County tonight, has been booked in for a series of extra running and weights sessions, under fitness coach Tony Daley in a bid to get him sharper following the World Cup.

He said: "I started doing some extra fitness work last week after training with running and weights. It's hard work but it's to my benefit and that of the team.

"I'll be better once I've got through that and if I follow the regime, I'll be ready for when I get the chance to play."

The 27-year-old, who played 61 minutes of Serbia's opening 1-0 defeat against Ghana, admitted the effects of the tournament in South Africa after his first season in the Premier League left him drained and behind his team-mates when he returned.

Along with fellow World Cup campaigners Marcus Hahnemann and Adlene Guedioura, Milijas was given an extra three weeks off.

He said: "I think the World Cup did make it difficult. It was a long season and I just had a short break during which I had a holiday and didn't do any fitness work as I needed to rest.

"By the time I came back, I was late in and the team were already a month into pre-season.

"I tried to catch up but it hadn't been possible up to now."

Milijas, whose only other appearance this season was in the Carling Cup second round extra-time win over Southend when he put Wolves ahead from the spot, is confident the extra work on the training ground is beginning to close the gap between him and his team-mates.

He said: "I feel good now and hopefully I can get closer to winning a place for a league game.

"I'm here to play in the Premier League and to help Wolves and I want to be on the pitch making a contribution.

"To do that I know I need to do well in the cup games and reserve games."

Hugely gifted Milijas is probably the most naturally talented footballer on Wolves' books and remains happy at Molineux but wants to prove himself.

He said: "I know I can play in this team and at this level from last season. So I need to get my sharpness up and then we can see what happens.

"It was good to hear the gaffer say he wants me to be available. He likes me as a player and knows what I can do.

"I'm very happy at the club and it's up to me to show the gaffer I can get up to the required levels and can contribute to the team."