Winger Marc Albrighton fired up for Wolves

Marc Albrighton has warned Wolves that Villa will fight fire with fire in tomorrow's eagerly-anticipated Molineux meeting.

Wolves have found themselves at the centre of a media firestorm in the campaign's early weeks, having been branded 'dirty' by some sections of the national press - a claim their boss Mick McCarthy has angrily refuted.

Albrighton, in fact, believes the Molineux outfit proved what a good footballing outfit they can be in last season's games between the sides, which both ended in draws.

However, he heads into what will be his first derby game - and new boss Gerard Houllier's first Premier League match in charge - under no illusions that a bruising battle could still lie in wait with local bragging rights on the line.

Whether they have to be artisans or artists, though, he insists Villa will be ready to match McCarthy's men.

"Hopefully we can get the ball down and play how we like to play, though, and score some goals," said the England Under-21 star, who has enjoyed a fine start to the season.

"The second-half performance on Wednesday (in beating Blackburn 3-1) was absolutely fantastic.

"We played some good attacking football. Emile Heskey was superb when he came on. He changed the game.

"We've also been doing quite a lot of passing drills in training so far. That's one of the new things the manager has brought in. That can only help us.

"When we get the ball in tight areas we need to pass it out and with Gerard's help I think we can do that.

"I think Wolves have got some quality players in the team who like to play football as well.

"I remember when we played them last year they played some nice stuff. But in derby games you do anything to get the three points and get the bragging rights.

"It might not be a pretty game but we'd take a dirty 1-0."

He might be slightly built and still just 20, but Albrighton has already shown he isn't afraid to muck in when required - something his disciplinary record reinforces.

Albrighton said: "I've got a couple of bookings already which I think is down to my tackling! It's something I have to improve on.

"But if there's a tackle there to be won then obviously I'll go in and hope to win it. I'm not going to back out of a tackle, that's how you get hurt.

"In a derby game it's going to be very feisty, as will the Birmingham game when that arrives. I can't wait for it.

"Hopefully I am selected and I can show what I can do in a local derby game."

It isn't just his disciplinary record that - Albrighton is aiming to work on.

Having been converted from a striker to a winger, he is the first to admit his goals return needs to improve. So, what better time than a derby to score his first senior claret and blue goal?

"To score on Sunday would be fantastic," he smiled. "But then it would be nice to score in any game - I should have got one against Everton but I put that one in the Holte End!

"Is it my next milestone? I think it's got to be. My first Villa goal will be something special, as was my debut and my first start. Hopefully after a few years in the game I can look back at it and enjoy these memories.

"I scored a few for the reserves but it was difficult because you only get 16 games a season. It could be better. I need to improve my goalscoring record. I always want to score goals but I take just as much satisfaction from making them."

Albrighton admits he has nothing but respect for the work carried out by Wolves boss McCarthy.

"If you just look at the job he's done at Wolves I think he's been brilliant," he said.

"He's taken them from a mid-table Championship side to a Premier League side and an established one at that.

"I definitely think they will stay up this year and then build on that in the next couple of seasons."

But top of his priorities now is establishing himself in new manager Houllier's starting XI.

He could face a battle on his hands, however, with the Frenchman having the option of playing Ashley Young as either a winger or a supporting striker.

Three into two does not go, meaning one of Young, Albrighton and Stewart Downing could be left disappointed if Young plays up front - as he will at Molineux tomorrow.

"I don't feel as if I'm starting all over again but I have to impress him (Houllier)," said Albrighton.

"I think he'll have watched previous games I've played in and hopefully he was impressed.

"He's not really said whether he has been or not. Martin O'Neill, when I was breaking in, I had to impress, Kevin MacDonald I've had to impress and it will be no different with the new gaffer.

"When I was first trying to break in James Milner, Ash and Stewy were all here at the club so it's nothing new to me.

"I'm up for the competition and hopefully I can keep my place. But if not and I'm on the bench then I just need to keep working hard and hopefully I'll get my chance further down the line."

It is a sign of Albrighton's meteoric rise that he was rested for Wednesday's Carling Cup win because he was, according to Houllier, one of Villa's "internationals".

Albrighton modestly downplays such a tag but believes he will reap the rewards of his well-deserved rest in the months to come.

"I've enjoyed every minute of the games this season," he added. "I just enjoy playing football. It probably will do me some good. We've had the international break and now with not playing Wednesday it's going to help."