Richard Stearman optimistic ahead of big Wolves week

Wolves face the 23rd-placed Latics at Molineux knowing defeat, combined with results elsewhere, could leave them just three points off the drop zone.

Saturday's 1-0 loss at home to the Magpies means Paul Lambert's team have lost three of their last four in the Championship.

But Stearman said there wasn't much wrong with the team's performance – and that on another day Wolves could have won.

"I'm disappointed we've not won the game," he said. "To at least not get a draw is a tough one to take for us.

"We're disappointed we've played so well and not really created a lot for their keeper to deal with.

"We played badly against Burton and really well against Newcastle.

"Newcastle defended deep and I think that's a sign of respect for how well we've played for the past couple of months, or since the gaffer's been here.

"They did make it difficult to break them down or hit them on the counter where we're so dangerous.

"In the first half I thought we were excellent. It was just unfortunate we didn't find the back of the net.

"They've got a bit lucky for their goal – it's dropped to them and they've put it in the back of the net, whereas we've had a lot of good play in the first half and got into great positions without scoring."

Arguably Wolves' best chance of the game fell to Stearman from a David Edwards flick-on in the first half.

He said: "I've read the flick-on, I think I've just caught it on the up, I'm disappointed I've not put it in the back of the net."

In the game's major talking point, striker Aleksandar Mitrovic avoided a second yellow card after a foul on Ikeme.

"I've not really seen it again but from what I'm told he was lucky to still be on the pitch," said Stearman.

"Hopefully we get a couple (of decisions) going for us in the remaining games."

Wolves have already lost to Wigan this season but another defeat tomorrow night is the last thing Lambert's team need ahead of their big FA Cup clash with Chelsea on Saturday.

Stearman added: "We're obviously very disappointed not to have picked up any points in the past couple of games but we look ahead to an important week and an important run of games at home, starting on Tuesday night and then another big one at the weekend.

"We look ahead with optimism.

"They're coming thick and fast and it's another one at Molineux and a great opportunity to get the three points.

"We've gone a couple of games without picking up any points and we've got aspirations of moving up the league.

"It's a chance for us to pick up three vital points and they'll be looking at it trying to do the same.

"It's an important game for us."