Dave Edwards keen to see derby action

Dave Edwards today handed Wolves a welcome boost after declaring himself available for Sunday's derby with Birmingham.

Edwards has rejoined full training after recovering from a torn thigh which has kept him out of the last four games.

His return is well-timed with boss Mick McCarthy having to cope with a decimated central midfield which could still leave him without five players.

He is still waiting on Michael Mancienne (knee) and David Jones (infected foot), while Karl Henry and Adlene Guedioura are out long term and rookie David Davis is suspended.

"I trained on Monday, Tuesday and yesterday and it feels alright," said Edwards. "I started off fairly lightly and didn't do anything too risky but as the week goes on I've become more and more confident. I feel like I'm back at it now."

Edwards is not expecting to return to the starting line-up immediately.

"I think I'll be available but I'm not expecting to go straight back into the team," said the Wales international.

"Hopefully I can get into the squad and maybe be involved at some point."

Edwards identified Sunday's game as the turning point of the season after admitting the Premier League will be much tougher to survive this time.

"I think there's probably more competition in terms of staying up this time," said the midfielder. "It was never easy last season but the situation at Portsmouth helped the rest of us and the teams that have come up are stronger than those that went down.

"We need to 'up' our game and make sure we get the points but that's a challenge we're all looking forward to.

"Blues here last season was the ultimate low," he added. "We were in the bottom three and weren't playing well and had lost a local derby. Hopefully this year it will prove the turning point where we can get our season back on track."