Hill modelling himself on star duo
Wolves left-back Matt Hill has already wound up Preston in the countdown to facing his former club.
Now Hill wants to show his ex-team-mates what they are missing tomorrow if selected – a touch of Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy.
Hill started the banter after North End got beat 2-0 by Liverpool in the FA Cup last weekend.
He said: "I spoke to the keeper Andy Lonergan after the game – I was taking the mickey out of him for running to Pepe Reina after the game trying to get his shirt!
"But I tend not to speak to friends before the game. I'd rather speak to them afterwards, it's easier that way. I've still got a lot of friends there so I wish them all the best but not tomorrow."
Even at 27 and after 350 senior games, Hill is still eager to improve his game. Despite leaving Deepdale in August, Hill insists the only man he has to prove anything to tomorrow is Molineux boss Mick McCarthy.
But he reveals Wolves fans haven't seen the best of him yet.
Hill said: "As a player, you're always looking to improve – no matter what age or how good you are. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo – I'm sure he still practises free kicks every day. There are lots of things I want to add to my game, such as getting forward a lot more and getting more crosses in.
"I look at Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy – two of the best left-backs in the world – and I'd maybe like to try to emulate the way they get forward.
"I watch the way they defend – you can pick up little tips watching their games. Hopefully you can add that to your game, because it can only be beneficial.
"But the main thing is to get the defensive side of my game right first."
With competition from Stephen Ward and George Friend, Hill has plenty of competition. But as he looks forward to the arrival of his former club, he knows McCarthy is the only one he has to impress.
He said: "The only person I need to prove anything to is the gaffer – he picks the side. I've just got to keep doing the right things, like work hard and train hard. Hopefully that's enough to warrant a place in the side."
Preston come to Molineux in fourth spot and Hill saluted a dramatic turnaround by boss Alan Irvine.
Hill said: "Since Alan Irvine has been their record has been excellent. They were in a relegation battle when he went in, but I think they were the second or third best form team based on the second half of last season.
"So the signs are there – he's already set a precedent for them to be a force. There are no real surprises that they're there or thereabouts around the play-offs."
But with Wolves seven points clear at the top of the Championship, he insists he has no regrets about the move.
He said: "There are no regrets – it's a challenge for me at a big, ambitious club but I want to be a part of something good. Hopefully that can be the case."