Andrew Surman believes the competition for places will ensure Wolves standards don't slip as he prepares for a possible Barclays Premier League debut against West Ham on Saturday.

The versatile midfielder is relishing the chance to start or even be on the substitutes bench for Saturday's eagerly-awaited curtain-raiser, but is well aware of the intense scrap for places in the Molineux engine room.

The 22-year-old has made a bright impression since arriving from Southampton, hampered only by an ankle injury picked up after scoring against Walsall which ruled him out for ten days.

Now fit again he came off the bench against Real Valladolid last weekend and went close to scoring on several occasions during the 2-0 defeat.

"You want to get games under your belt in pre-season and so it was frustrating even to be out for just ten days as I was," he says.

"It's good to get back and get a couple of games under my belt before the start of the season.

"Everyone wants to be in that starting line-up for Saturday and hopefully I've given the manager something to think about.

"I could have had a hat trick on Saturday with the chances I had!

"It was just good to get on and get some more minutes under my belt as well as being in the positions with chances to score goals.

"Hopefully next time I get in those positions I'll be able to stick them away into the back of the net."

Surman continued:  "It would be my Premier League debut on Saturday and will be fantastic to be involved whatever capacity.

"I'd love to be starting but there's a lot of competition for places here and if you don't start you have to knuckle down and keep working to try and get in the team.

"It's healthy because it keeps everyone on their toes as if you're in the team you know how important it is to keep doing well."

Wolves are well aware of the tough tests they are going to be facing week-in week-out in the Premier League.

And West Ham, who finished ninth last season, will offer a prime example for starters.

"West Ham are well established in the Premier League with a very good squad like many of the teams we'll be facing this season," Surman adds.

"A lot of times the teams that have come up from the Championship haven't got as big or strong a squad as those already there but I think we've got a good squad which can compete in the Premier League.

"Hopefully we can have a successful season."