Ronald Zubar ready to battle for Wolves place

Ronald Zubar today insisted he will battle for his place as he eyes a return against Blackburn Rovers on August 13.

The popular 25-year-old played 75 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 win at Ipswich at centre-half, with Kevin Foley getting the same time at right-back in place of Richard Stearman, who has played there for the majority of pre-season.

It was only the third time Zubar has figured at the heart of the defence since his £2m signing two years ago from Marseille, and he's still to play in that position in the Premier League.

But you won't find any complaints from the Frenchman, who is working his way back to full fitness after missing the last three months of the season following a back operation.

"It's part of football to have competition for places," said Zubar, whose 44 appearances make him arguably Wolves' most successful foreign import.

"If a player is injured and someone else comes in, if he plays well he stays in the team.

"Everybody knows what I can do when I'm playing well and I just have to get back to that and see what happens.

"It's taking things one stage at a time, but the more players we have fit and available the better for everyone.

"It's a long season and I'm sure we'll all get a chance under Mick.

"It's about me getting back to playing and showing what I can do and building it up as the friendlies go on."

That said, Zubar stressed that with just one warm-up game left – against Real Zaragoza at Molineux this Saturday, and the season starting in nine days' time – the team is beginning to take shape.

"We're getting closer to the start of the season now so there's more focus on our shape and how we play," he said.

"We need to make sure we're solid for the start of the season and we can get that from these games."

Zubar has played three games now since his surgery, after 45 minutes at Notts County and 10 minutes at Celtic and he revealed it's just a case of not rushing things as he feels his way back.

"I've missed too long with injury so it was really good to get my first 45 minutes at Notts County," he added.

"It was the first time I'd played since the operation so I had to look after myself a little bit.

"But it was just good to get out there and then follow it up with 10 minutes at Celtic and 75 minutes at Ipswich.

"Even when the games started, the gaffer told me to take my time because it's a long pre-season and then a long season after and there's no point taking any risks.

"Having been out for so long it's always been a case for me of making sure everything is fine and not rushing it.

"The medical team have been great with me and that's what we've been doing over the summer."