Kevin Foley starts Wolves comeback

Kevin Foley has inched closer to a Wolves comeback with his first football action since undergoing ankle surgery in October.

The Republic of Ireland defender played for an hour in a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Crewe side last night, which his team won 4-1.

Wolves are without reserve team fixtures during the Christmas period, which explains why manager Mick McCarthy was anxious to find action for Foley.

His senior colleagues included Adlene Guedioura, Adam Hammill, Dorus De Vries, George Elokobi, Jody Craddock and Richard Stearman.

But Foley's progress would have been of particular focus for the Wolves medical team striving to get one of McCarthy's most consistent – and flexible – players back into the first team squad.

And so far, so good, according to Foley.

He said: "Thankfully I feel fine as it's been a frustrating time. But these things happen.

"It was just nice to be back out there and playing again. I just wanted to get to half-time and see how it felt and because all was OK I carried on and got another 15 minutes in. I've just got to try and get my sharpness back now.

"There aren't any reserve games over Christmas but training here is high tempo all the time, so to be involved in that should bring me on a lot. We'll just take it from there.

"I've still got to get up to speed but hopefully every day I'm getting a little bit closer."

It is a key time for the defender as, aside from wanting to contribute to his club's struggling Premier League campaign, he will also have eyes on the Republic's trip to the European Championships.

But it's the fortunes of Wolves which concern him most and Foley has no doubts that the squad will pull through despite a daunting festive period of fixtures.

He said: "We've been in this position before and there is no panic around the place. We made a great start and then had a blip but we came back with a couple of wins and were unlucky against Sunderland.

"Norwich was a real game of two halves. In the first-half they were better than us and, in the second, we were better but just couldn't get that winner.

"We are still confident we will get the results to get out of trouble."

Wolves fans are keen to see Foley return as he has excelled in the past in his specialist right-back position and also given valuable contributions from midfield.

His ascent to full fitness may be a while yet, though.

Foley added: "It was always thought that training would be six to eight weeks after the operation and it was eight and now I'm playing again after nine.

"I'm still on the mend and hopefully will be in contention soon. There is a long way of the season to come. We're not even halfway yet.

"I've just got to look on the bright side and hopefully – touch wood – be fit from now until the end of the season."

Yesterday's game represented Foley's first taste of action since the goalless draw at AstonVilla at the end of August.

The victory was achieved with goals from Guedioura, Hammill, Jack Price and Jake Cassidy while De Vries, Elokobi, Craddock and Stearman all featured.