Greg Halford is bracing himself for a battle for one of the two right-sided berths in the Wolves team as Kevin Foley, Richard Stearman and Michael Kightly all return to top fitness.

 

Not to mention the fact that Dave Edwards has also filled in successfully on the right hand side of midfield when moved across from his customary central position.

 

But Greg wouldn't have it any other way, knowing full well that the extra competition for places will ensure that personal standards remain high.

 

The versatile defender/midfielder has started all seven of the Barclays Premier League fixtures so far, more recently as a right back, and is prepared for the competition for places which has intensified ahead of tomorrow's visit of Portsmouth.

"I think I've done o-k so far and have probably played my better football at right back," he said.

 

"It's taken me longer to settle in as a right midfielder but I was brought in to cover any position up and down the right and wherever I'm needed to be honest.

 

"We've been unlucky with injures with Kights at the beginning and then Foles and Stears and I've had to fill in different positions but I think I've settled reasonably well.

 

"Now everyone is back to full fitness on the right hand side it's going to be a tough challenge to stay in the team.

 

"But that's why managers bring players in to build squads and it's only healthy."

 

"And as a team, I think performance-wise it's been pretty good bar the Blackburn game.

 

"In a way I think we've been unlucky not to pick up more points than we've got but it's been promising."

 

Greg has also revealed another potential quality in his locker, to operate in the centre of the park.

 

"My preferred position is actually centre midfield," he explains.

 

"But I'm not too bothered if I'm playing.

 

"I came here as a right midfielder having played all last season there while I've also played nearly 150 games as a right back so I know the position.

 

"Any position is fine and I'm just happy to be battling for a place

 

Another weapon in Greg's armoury has been very much to the fore in the season's embryonic stages - his long throw.

 

And the 24-year-old has revealed he's starting to enjoy the sense of anticipation felt among Wolves supporters ahead of one of his deliveries!

 

"The long throw is something I've always seemed to have throughout my career," he added.

 

"A fair few goals have come from it during my career and hopefully there are more to come.

 

"It's great to hear the crowd getting going when I get the ball and I've not really had that anywhere else I've been - it's all good.

 

"It's also important to have some variety.

 

"Sometimes they might be expecting the long throw and then we can take it short and put a cross in which almost caught Sunderland out a couple of times.

 

"It worked a treat with the goal we scored against Fulham and like I said hopefully it will get us a few more."

 

The next airing of the Halford Hammer could well come against Portsmouth tomorrow afternoon.

 

And while Pompey check in at Molineux bottom of the table and without a point to their name, the Wolves players are ready for another typically testing top flight battle.

 

"It's going to be a tough game," predicted Greg.

 

"You can't underestimate Portsmouth - they've been in the Premier League a long time and have got potential matchwinners in their team.

 

"We have to be aware that they haven't picked up any points yet and will be fighting for every scrap they can get.

 

"We have to make sure we match them physically and then hopefully come out on top."