Richard Stearman ready for the call

Wolves defender Richard Stearman has declared he is ready for a call to arms at Chelsea this weekend.

The 23-year-old's solid performance in Saturday's 1-1 draw against West Ham has left him in pole position if Jody Craddock's hip injury keeps him out at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Stearman has found opportunities hard to come by in 2010 and has made only one Premier League start this season, in the 3-1 defeat at Tottenham.

But as Wolves prepare to return to the capital on Saturday, the Wolverhampton-born stopper has his fingers crossed that boss Mick McCarthy will turn to him if, as expected, Craddock is ruled out along with Karl Henry, Adlene Guedioura and the ineligible Michael Mancienne.

Stearman said: "I'd like to think I've put myself in the gaffer's mind.

"I haven't played anywhere near as much as I would have liked. I've played bits and pieces and I think I've performed well in the parts I've played.

"But unfortunately I haven't been able to break into the team.

"I was very pleased with the way I played on Saturday, so I can only keep doing what I'm doing and hopefully I won't be ignored forever."

Stearman had to be ready in double-quick time against the Hammers, after Craddock was injured just two minutes in when he landed awkwardly following a header.

He said: "I didn't expect to be involved so quickly but I felt ready and very good coming on when I did, even though it was so early on in the game. I was very pleased with the way I played.

"I got my first couple of touches and I settled right into the game early on, in the first-half in particular was very pleased with how I played, so I was happy.

"It was a shame for Jody but hopefully he'll make a quick recovery."