Steven Fletcher's backing for Wolves

Wolves' club-record signing Steven Fletcher has tipped his new club to eclipse last season's finish of 15th and avoid the dreaded "second season syndrome."

Fletcher got to meet his new team-mates this week as the squad returned to pre-season training.

The Scotland international is one of five permanent arrivals this summer, as boss Mick McCarthy adds Premier League quality to the squad.

And, from what he has seen already, Fletcher believes Wolves can improve on last season's escape act and avoid Hull and Reading's fate of going down second time around in recent seasons by building on their achievements.

He said: "The gaffer has brought in a lot of good players – Stephen Hunt will be another when he gets fit – so I think we've got a good squad, so hopefully we can improve on last season.

"Everyone has the belief that we can do it and we've got the quality, so I don't see why we can't.

"We've heard of second season syndrome, but I think the boys are all dying to get the first game underway and hopefully we can get off to a good start.

"It's all about trying to stay in the Premier League again, but hopefully finish higher up the table than Wolves did last year if at all possible."

Having been on the losing side against Wolves for Burnley last season – and failing to score – Fletcher believes Mick McCarthy's side already have enough defensive strength.

The 23-year-old said: "They showed that last season, particularly with how they finished the season.

"They became a team who didn't concede too many goals so they've got some quality at the back – hopefully I can score a few goals at the other end.

"I've already noticed there's a lot of competition for places up front but I'll just keep my head down, work hard and hopefully get an opportunity.

"You always want strength in the squad and the gaffer's done that, so hopefully we'll have a good season."