It's been something of a culture change for Richard Stearman to be with Wolves during an international break and not away on England-under-21 duty.
And while the defender was pleased to enjoy a rare weekend off without a fixture, he admits that fitness coach Tony Daley has certainly been putting the remaining members of the squad through their paces.
And Stears knows just how important a part fitness will play over the course of the Barclays Premier League season.
"It's a bit different for me really because I'm used to being away during the international breaks," says the defender.
"This is the first time I've been here and have managed to have a couple of days off to rest which is very welcome.
"But while a lot of the boys aren't here we're still getting plenty of work done.
"We've done some more fitness testing which is tough and Dales has been putting us through our paces.
"We haven't had any slacking off at all and we know how massively importance our fitness is going to be.
"Credit to Dales and the fitness staff, we've been looking very good in that respect as we did last season.
"It's going to be really important for us over the season."
Stears has made an impressive start to the campaign having come off the bench on the opening day and kept his place at right back after injury to Kevin Foley.
He's already faced up to some fairly illustrious names on the left wing, and is relishing the challenge of what the top flight has to offer.
"It's been a bit of a whirlwind at the start of the season with everyone raring to go and then having a fair few games," he explained.
"Fortunately I've managed to get a few under my belt and have been pleased with how it's gone.
"It was always going to be a tough task facing top players like Robinho and Stephen Hunt but I've been pleased with how I've done.
"I've played a lot of football at right back and am just happy to be in the team."
Next up is another tough assignment at Ewood Park on Saturday against a Blackburn side who will be smarting from picking up just one point from their first three games.
Stears is confident Wolves will again be able to compete, and believes the summer squad strengthening has given them every chance to consolidate at the top level.
"Blackburn will still be a very difficult place to go and we are expecting 38 tough games this season," he added.
"They might not have had the best of starts but they will definitely be very difficult opponents.
"Hopefully we have proved in the first four games we can compete in this division and have to go out and do it again on Saturday.
"The new signings have definitely improved the squad and add to the competition for places which can only be a good thing."
* THE full interview with Stears is now available to view by subscribers on Wolves Player.
