Edwards looking to give boss poser
Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards returns to action tonight hoping to give manager Mick McCarthy a selection poser in the survival run-in.
Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards returns to action tonight hoping to give manager Mick McCarthy a selection poser in the survival run-in.
The Wales international has been named in a young reserve line-up for this evening's re-arranged Barclays Premier Reserve League South game against Arsenal at Barnet after three months out with an ankle injury.
McCarthy said at the end of last week that he expects Edwards, who returned to full training nine days ago, to be in contention for Saturday's derby at Villa, and the 24-year-old intends to show the manager he is ready to be considered tonight at Underhill.
Ironically, Edwards returns to action in north London, just a few miles from where he suffered the injury at Tottenham in Wolves' 1-0 on December 12.
But the former Shrewsbury and Luton man is just looking forward to playing again.
"It's my first competitive game in three months and I'm looking forward to getting back out there," said Edwards.
"I've felt good since returning to training and am treating this as the next stage of my recovery.
"Hopefully I'll come through OK and then we'll take it from there."
Edwards is looking forward to being involved in the Premier League again.
But he knows he must continue his rehabilitation and he is determined not to overdo things.
"There are some important games and pressure games which would be great to be involved in," he said.
"But I've got to make sure I'm ready, available and fully fit because there's no point going out there at 50 per cent in the Premier League.
"You need to be 100 per cent every match and that's my main aim."
Edwards's return to full fitness means only long-term casualties Michael Kightly and Matt Murray remain under treatment.
Striker Sam Winnall, who was awarded a one-year contract this time last year, joins Edwards on the comeback trail as he makes first appearance since rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments in pre-season.
Centre-back Danny Batth is allowed to play to get a game despite still being on loan at Colchester.
Team: McCarey, Metcalf, Reckord, Batth, Dunleavy, Davis, Mendez-Laing, Rooney, Landell, Edwards, Winnall.
Subs: McCone, Harris, McAlinden, Parsonage, Gorman, Griffiths.
* Wolves reserve Daniel Jones has his loan extended at League One Bristol Rovers to the end of the season.