Wolves on target vows Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle has insisted Wolves will be ready for the big kick-off despite the setback at his old club Reading.

Doyle was given a rapturous reception as he played the first 45 minutes last night, but his team lost their 100 per cent pre-season record as they went down 2-1.

The slicker Royals start their season in 11 days' time while Wolves are a further week away and the striker maintains the squad are gradually reaching the boil with friendlies against Leeds, Hearts and Atletico Bilbao still to come.

Doyle said: "We're a bit behind Reading in fitness, because they've played more games and are a week in front of us.

"We're certainly getting there and we've got three games to get us into the shape we need for the start of the season."

The strikers were off the scoresheet for the first time this summer, as it was left to midfielder David Jones to fire a late consolation.

But Doyle believes club-record signing and strike partner Steven Fletcher in particular will be an excellent signing, with both renowned as versatile performers.

He said: "Fletcher is a welcome addition and it was brilliant that we spent the money to get him.

"We'll need to be flexible. I've played up front on my own and wide of a three and Fletcher's done the same.

"We've also played in a two, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Sam Vokes the same. There are some top strikers here.

"We needed to strengthen to keep ourselves in the league and it's a good sign we've brought the players in we have."

Midfielder Dave Edwards missed last night's game, after suffering a reaction to an insect sting which caused an infection in his shoulder.