Eagles trailing in Wolves' jetstream

Andy Keogh admitted Wolves' win over Crystal Palace was 'scrappy' - as he dubbed his team-mates 'the Red Arrows' for the way they stream forward.

Keogh's first goal of the season proved the winner as Wolves battled to a 2-1 win to stay top of the Championship on goal difference last night.

But the Irish striker reckons Wolves' superior fitness won the day.

"We got a scrappy win," said Keogh. "But we ground away and we could have won it by more in the end when the pace and fitness showed through.

"It was like watching the Red Arrows the way we launched through the middle at times!

"We've had some really good fitness coaching from Tony Daley, but the lads are very dedicated to what they do.

"They want to get fitter and stronger and they want to do the best they can. The lads are just looking forward to every game."

Keogh went into the game as the only one of Wolves' four strikers without a goal, but was always confident of netting.

"I was pleased to get off the mark but I was more pleased we kept our unbeaten record going," he said.

"People will say it's a weight lifted off my shoulders, but I always knew it would come because that's what happens when you work hard.

"I thought I was unfortunate not to score on Saturday, so it was good I only had to wait three days to get it."

Keogh lined up at left midfield after Matt Jarvis was ruled out with a groin injury, but like Stephen Ward, the 22-year-old insists he's happy to play anywhere.

"I'm happy to play any position in the attacking field - I'd do anything for the team and I was delighted to have chipped in with a goal," he said. "Long may the winning run continue.

"I just think winning gives you confidence and we just have to keep believing - there will be some slip-ups along the way but we have to realise we're good enough and we have to believe in ourselves."

Defender Richard Stearman added: "It was a scrappy performance. We've been playing well but you can't do it every time.

"We tried to up the pace but I still don't think Palace had a shot in the second half and we defended well when we came under the cosh."

Stearman revealed Wolves had been working on scoring a quick goal after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake broke the deadlock after 19 seconds.

"It's the fastest goal I've been involved with but we've been working on moves from the kick-off," he said.

Stearman also saluted substitute Dave Edwards after he landed the sponsors' man of the match after replacing the injured Dave Jones.

"Dave has been superb coming off the bench," he said. "It's unfortunate for him Karl Henry and Dave Jones have been playing so well.

"But Dave did a superb job and fully deserved his man of the match award and we were all delighted to get three points."