Experienced defender backs himself to keep Wolves place

The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent players since Vitor Pereira took charge after the Irishman reinvented himself as a centre-back on the right of Wolves' back three.

However, he faces a battle to keep his place next season and could potentially take on Nasser Djiga, Santi Bueno and the returning Yerson Mosquera for his position

But Doherty, who will be going into the final year of his contract, is confident of beating the competition.

"The target for me is to just have a great pre-season," Doherty said.

"I had a great pre-season last summer because I knew I was going to play the first couple of games of the season, because Nelson was suspended.

"So I had my head down in pre-season, got really into great condition and I had that goal because I knew I was going to start the season.

"So that would be the same goal for me, is to finish the season well, if we win the next three games, then lock that momentum into pre-season.

"I enjoy pre-season, you get to see your body change, you get into great condition. That's something I'm looking forward to.

"Everybody will back themselves in pre-season to get in the team.

"You've just got to keep your head down in pre-season, work hard, play well when you get the chance, train well.

"There's a lot of competition for places, which is a good thing.

"I'm sure we could even have additions in the summer also.

"I'm just thinking about the now and thinking about the next few games and how we're going to finish the season because it could take a lot of momentum into the internationals and pre-season."

Wolves have been in fine form with six consecutive wins before their narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City saw the run come to an end.

With three games remaining of the season, the squad are determined to end the campaign on a high.

When asked about the importance of ending the season well, Doherty added: "I think it's massive, it's all about momentum, isn't it?

"The lads take momentum into internationals, take momentum into pre-season. You want to finish the season, you want to go away on holiday, Feeling good about how the season finished.

"If you lose the last four games of the season it's not a good feeling. Also, it would get the club thinking, well, if we lose the last four, maybe they need to bring players in again.

"So it's important for lads to finish off strong, cement their place in the team or in the squad. We finish the season how we want to start pre-season."