Make or break for Jones

The left-sided player is into the final year of his contract and faces a meeting with boss Mick McCarthy on Monday to see how he fits into the manager's plans.

Jones is back at Molineux fighting for a crucial breakthrough after playing 33 League One games for Northampton last season over two loan spells.

That experience has given the 21-year-old the confidence to thrust himself into McCarthy's thoughts as the squad kick off the countdown to their first friendly at Wrexham next Saturday.

But he still faces a battle to win a place against George Elokobi, even with Charlie Mulgrew set to complete a £125,000 move to Swindon and Michael Gray still to agree a one-year contract.

"It's a massive season for me because my contract's up at the end of the season," said Jones. "It's a make or break season for me.

"I've got 12 months left and if nothing happens then I'll be gone. It's just down to me and I've just got to do my best and if that's not good enough, then I'll have to play elsewhere.

"I haven't had the chance to sit down with the manager yet, but I've been told I've got a meeting with him on Monday.

"Hopefully I'll find out more then, but before we went away, he told me to come back fit and healthy and told me to do the best I possibly can and his best players will play. I'm just aiming for that."

The Wolverhampton-born defender would love nothing more than to prove himself at his hometown club. He has been at the club since he was nine and got his debut under Glenn Hoddle, playing 10 League games.

"The main reason I want to do well is because I'm playing for Wolves – all my family are Wolves fans," said Jones. I've always supported Wolves.

"I love it here and I like all the lads, they're great lads who are willing to pull for each other."