Brick by brick, Walter Zenga is building his Wolves squad

As Walter Zenga has been keen to point out, Wolves are playing catch up.

But to be playing catch up and remain unbeaten for four games is a solid return ahead of tomorrow's West Midlands derby at St Andrew's.

Zenga said of Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Ipswich at Molineux: "It was a small brick to build the wall.

"We missed one penalty, they have had only situations from free-kicks, one goal was not allowed correctly because their player was in front of our keeper.

"Brick by brick, we build the wall."

Zenga strongly refuted a suggestion that his players weren't fresh enough against the Tractor Boys.

They were given Wednesday off – their first rest day since July 31.

He said: "I gave the day off because after my arrival they have not one day off. Particularly when we talk about (them being tired) we're not talking about the fitness, or the physical, but the psychological.

"And 20 days with me every day, every day, can make them tired about their concentration.

"That's why we give them one day off for rest and to recharge the batteries."

New £2m signing Prince Oniangue could be set to make his debut in midfield tomorrow and Zenga said competition for places was vital for Wolves.

"In my opinion the heart of the team is the midfield," he added.

"You have to in your squad have at least six, seven, eight midfielders of the same quality.

"I don't want that the quality of the team goes down if someone is out. The players must understand there is not the starting XI or that they can play 46 games in a row.

"We don't have to say 'I am', but we have to say 'we are'."

As for tomorrow's opponents, Zenga said he saw similarities between himself and Gary Rowett.

He said: "I know the coach, his style, how they play. They are unbeaten, five points like us, and it's a good team especially at home. There is no easy game at all in this Championship.

"You don't look at the standings but think about the team. There are no teams with full points after three games, so it's going to be very competitive between a lot of teams.

"I know the coach of Birmingham is very passionate too. I think it will be a 'game in the game' from the bench! I saw him as like me, he's played the game. I think when the ball is with them I mark him and he mark me too!"

Wolves continue to be linked with a host of transfer targets – some likely and some not so likely, such as Mario Balotelli.

Zenga said of the constant rumours: "Sometimes I open some page and say, 'what?!'.

"I know speculation, rumour, everything, but I repeat we're working hard to create a competitive squad.

"I make the list, the request, my expectations. But you must understand we arrive just two weeks ago and what we try to do now is what you normally do in July in pre-season.

"It's my view, my vision, to have competitive squad.

"This is the problem of all the coaches in the world, this particular time. I'm sure if you ask everybody, they want a short window and then for it to be closed!"