Mark Davies is hoping to "make up for lost time" after enjoying his return to first team action in Saturday's opening pre-season friendly at Wrexham.

The Wolves midfielder made a bright impact alongside David Jones in the second half which caught the eye of manager Mick McCarthy.

But after an injury-plagued two years the homegrown talent knows there is a long way to go.

"It's about time I got through a game," said 'Sparky'.

"I've suffered with injuries for the last year, but I'm over it now, the knee has been fine and hasn't given me any problems at all.

"I felt fine - it was a bit of a struggle on the lungs, but fine overall.

"The main thing is to keep injury-free during pre-season and that's what I'm aiming to do.

"First team football is my goal but the only way I'm going to do that is by keeping fit and playing as well as I possibly can to give the gaffer something to think about.

"It is like I'm making up for lost time, but I just want to keep fit until the season starts, see where I am and go from there.

"I've not really had chance to talk to the gaffer to be fair - I've just got on with the running, but hopefully this game was the first of many for me."

Sparky's last first team appearance came as a substitute at Crystal Palace in April of last year, the last of ten made as a substitute during Mick's first season at the Molineux helm.

Initially impressed with the young midfielder, the boss had seen him suffer an injury during the early stages of only his second friendly in charge at Wolves against Aston Villa.

More injury problems followed last season and Mark's most recent appearance in a Wolves shirt was for the reserves at Walsall last December.

More of the bright moments shown at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday - despite Wolves' 1-0 defeat - will be needed to press his first team claims but the manager was pleased with the midfielder's return.

"I thought David Jones and Mark Davies handled things well and are good footballers," said Mick.

"It's really pleasing for Mark more than anything.

"A few days after I joined the club two years ago he did his cartilage in a game against Aston Villa and has only been involved in a few games since.

"It's nice to have him back.

"He looked bright and I was pleased with him, he's a good player.

"He's got good quality but like a lot of them he just needs games and that's the first of many to come - only ten months to go!"

Mick was pleased with David's second half performance in the engine room as he was with fellow new signing Richard Stearman's 'debut' in the first half.

"Richard Stearman and Darren Ward did well together," he said.

"Richard is quick and athletic and a good footballer."

David and Richard were the two summer signings on show after Sam Vokes was withdrawn as a precaution due to an ankle knock.

PICTURED: Mark Davies launches a Wolves attack on Saturday.