Maierhofer in Wolves' 25-man squad

Wolves striker Stefan Maierhofer today completed a dramatic return from exile by winning a place in the club's 25-man squad.

Manager Mick McCarthy today revealed the 6ft 7ins Austria international, who has been loaned out to Bristol City and German club Duisburg, will be in his list of named players for Premier League duty.

The transfer window shuts on September 2 but the 28-year-old, who is into the last year of his contract, will be in McCarthy's plans after playing his first Wolves game since December 2009 in Saturday's 2-1 win at Blackburn.

The Wolves boss said: "I know my 25 - unless it changes - but Stefan will be in it. I have had the discussion with him to tell him what he needs to do to be in the team.

"He's got to win all his headers at the far post, knock the ball down, get his fair share of goals and stop balls coming out of the box.

"So he's got a greater understanding of what's required."

McCarthy admitted Maierhofer, who has only made one league start for Wolves and played 10 times for the club since his £1.8million move from Rapid Vienna two years ago this month, had been up for sale.

The manager said: "I don't know about keeping him motivated – I've put him up for sale, I've sent him out on loan and I've brought him back.

"I'm not trying to motivate him – I was trying to sell him because it wasn't working. If he comes back and does alright, then it's a question of embracing him and trying to get the best out of him, which is what I'm trying to do.

"If we do, then we've got an asset in our team."

McCarthy brought Maierhofer back in from the cold at the weekend at Ewood Park, where he scored his only Wolves goal on his debut in September 2009.