Richard Stearman: I'll fight to play for Wolves

The 27-year-old centre-back was stretchered off during the second-half of Tuesday's 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux.

Stearman collapsed to the ground worryingly in the 73rd minute of his 200th league appearance for the club and was stretchered off.

He said: "I wasn't how I pictured coming off after my 200th game, to be honest. At least it was near the end of the game and we won 3-0 and kept a clean sheet.

"It feels a lot better and we'll just have to see how things go over the next couple of days but, hopefully, I'll be OK for tomorrow.

"A knee went into the side of my leg and my leg just went numb. It's not a feeling I had suffered before and I feared the worst.

"I was panicking a little bit, it has to be said, but the medical staff were great with me. The sensation started to come back into my foot shortly afterwards so, fingers crossed, all will be OK.

"It looks like it's not as bad as was first feared so hopefully, even though it is a quick turnaround, with the right recovery and preparation I've got a chance for Friday .

"It's a massive game for us and the most important thing on Tuesday was the three points. We played really well and scored some fantastic goals and, possibly, could have had one or two more.

"We were delighted with the result and the clean sheet and now we move on to tomorrow."

Stearman enjoyed the response for Wolves fans, who cheered loudly when the public address announced his double century on Tuesday night.

He said: "Personally, it's a very nice milestone for me to hit. There have been a lot of ups and downs but, certainly, more highs than lows and I hope there are some more good times to come.

"The reaction from the fans before the game when it was mentioned was amazing and I have got to thank them for that.

"I really appreciate it and it's just unfortunate the game didn't end how I would have liked!"

Stearman was a part of the Wolves side looking for revenge tomorrow night, against a Derby side who won 5-0 in November's corresponding fixture.

Three of those goals came after the former Leicester City stopper was introduced, but he feels this fixture will be a more competitive affair.

He said: "Derby beat us convincingly early at their place earlier in the season and we will need to put on a better performance tomorrow.

"We are looking forward to it and everyone is full of confidence, at the moment.

"I think we have shown that we don't want to go away in the push for the top six, but we know we have got to keep getting results to put the pressure on.

"There are plenty of tough fixtures for everyone to come, with teams at the top playing each other.

"There are a lot of points to play for and plenty of twists and turns ahead. Hopefully, we can do enough to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."