Express & Star

Wolves' China games will be 'seriously competitive'

Matt Doherty believes Wolves' two games in China will be 'seriously competitive' as they step up their preparations for the Europa League.

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Matt Doherty (© AMA SPORTS PHOTO AGENCY)

Nuno Espirito Santo's team will play Newcastle United in the semi-final of the Premier League Asia Trophy on July 17, before facing either Manchester City or West Ham on July 20.

They then take on either Crusaders or B36 Torshavn in the Europa League on July 25.

"We have two seriously competitive games before we go into the Europa League games, so we’ll definitely be ready by then," Doherty said.

"I’m looking forward to when we get there and when we land, I’m not looking forward to the flights. A few of us aren’t that keen on flying, but it’s something we have to do, you can’t get there without getting on a plane.

"Once we’re there they will be a good couple of games. It’s a nice competition we’re in and most of us have never been to China, so it’s something we can experience, where our owners have come from and the set-up they have there."

Doherty is with the first-team squad currently training at England's St George's Park base.

He only recently went away with Ireland for international duty and has had a three-week break.

The wing-back added: "I’m pleased to be back. The longer I’m off, the worse shape I’ll be in, so three weeks was about right. I had a couple of holidays and was back in for testing on Monday.

"Everybody’s back and looks fit and ready. Our season starts a bit earlier with the Europa League, but we’ll definitely be ready.

"The set-up (at St George's) is really nice, you can’t complain, you have everything and it is state of the art. We’ll get a lot out of this week. It took me 20 minutes to get here, so it’s ideal.

"You get less time off (playing internationally), but I don’t mind it. When I’m training, I’m staying fit and in shape. When I do have the three weeks off I can enjoy myself because I’ve already been training.

"It doesn’t change much, you get less time off, and sometimes it can be frustrating seeing people away, but it’s worth it because you’re there to represent your country."