Wolves' warning to Gerard Houllier

Midfielder David Jones has vowed Wolves are focused on making Gerard Houllier's return to English football a difficult one this weekend.

Wolves lie in wait for the new Villa manager's return to the Premier League stage for the Molineux derby on Sunday.

And, after returning to winning ways with the help of extra-time to overcome Notts County in the Carling Cup, Wolves' tails are up.

Jones said: "Hopefully we can make sure he doesn't get the best of starts. He's a very experienced manager, with a good reputation. I'm sure he'll do well there but hopefully we can make sure he doesn't get anything here.

"That would give our fans something to cheer about. But these games don't need any extra spice.

"We had two draws against them last year and were probably unlucky not to win both.

"After getting back to winning ways by beating Notts County in the week, I'm sure the fans and everyone will be really up for the Villa game."

But Jones insists Wolves can't afford to think they have closed the gap on Villa.

Wolves spent a record £18million this summer on signings and the midfielder believes they must continue to improve by building gradually, not getting beyond themselves in any bid to emulate the Midlands' flagship club.

Jones said: "I don't think we can say we've closed the gap on them yet. Villa have dominated the Midlands for a while and are a great club.

"It's only our second season in the Premier League and they have been there since the beginning.

"They've achieved a lot and once again they're looking good, so I wouldn't say we've closed the gap.

"But we're building a good team here. Since I've been at the club it's been all good things happening here.

"The manager is looking to improve every year and we are improving."

Jones also believes himself and his Wolves team-mates are coming of age.

He said: "Since I've been at the club we've been a very young team.

"Everyone is growing in confidence and ability-wise we're better players now and we're more mature on the pitch.

"But as the gaffer says, our priority remains survival.

"If and when we achieve that then we'll go from there, because this is only our second season again at this level."