Andrew Surman admits it's the likes of Birmingham and Bolton rather than Arsenal and Chelsea which Wolves will consider as their 'big games' as they seek to climb away from the league's relegation zone.

 

The versatile midfielder was pleased to make his Barclays Premier League debut at Chelsea last weekend - less pleased however with the result - and is now waiting to see if he keeps his place for Sunday's big derby with Birmingham.

 

And he believes it's games like this and then Bolton to follow that will be the pivotal fixtures rather than the more glamorous clashes with the division's greater lights.

 

"It's like the manager has said - we're not going to be judged this season on games like Arsenal and Chelsea," he says.

 

"We're going to be judged on our results against the teams in and around us in the table.

 

"We know we've got three massive games at home this month against Birmingham, Bolton and Burnley.

 

"These are our big games rather than the ones with Arsenal and Chelsea and if we can get some decent results we can hopefully push out of the relegation zone.

 

"Birmingham are a different proposition to Arsenal and Chelsea but it will still be just as tough as most teams are in this league.

 

"They'll be looking at us and thinking they can get a result in the same way as we will given the two teams both got promoted last season.

 

"It should be a good game of football and probably a battle as well and if we can win that then we've a chance of winning the game."

 

Thinking back to last weekend there were mixed feelings for the former Southampton midfielder in the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

 

Delight at a long-awaited top flight debut at the age of ??, but disappointment at the way Wolves finished up on the wrong end of a 4-0 scorelin.

 

He has had to wait for his chance, but sees that as a result of the strength of the Wolves squad which should ensure all keep their standards high.

"It was amazing to make my Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge but obviously the result was very disappointing," he said.

 

"They had a few players missing and we'd have hoped to have tried to take advantage and get something out of the game.

 

"It was a great place to play but unfortunately the result wasn't!"

 

 

Andrew continued:  "There's a big squad here with a lot of competition for places.

 

"We all have to be patient sometimes and just keep working away but you do get your rewards and that came for me with a debut at Stamford Bridge.

 

"You want to pit your wits against other Premier League players like those at Chelsea and you tend to find yourselves up against some of the best players in the world week-in week-out.

 

"Going out there you just try and play as well as you can, do you bit for the team and make something happen.

 

"That's what I did, trying to keep the ball and do something with it.

 

"Now it's all about trying to keep my place.

 

"There is strong competition with players now back from international duty and fully fit so it's there for this weekend.

 

"If I'm not in there for the Birmingham game it will be about knuckling down again and doing what I can to work my way back in."

 

It's been a common theme among those present at Stamford Bridge to report on the incredible support of the travelling supporters which has even drawn warm compliments from Chelsea fans themselves.

 

More of the same over the next two home games will certainly help the team in their endeavours.

 

"The fans were still right behind us even at 4-0 down at Chelsea," added Andrew.

 

"They've been fantastic all season.

 

"I've been sat in the stands at times for home games this season and the atmosphere has been great.

 

"Sunday is a big derby and if they can carry on getting behind us as I know they will it can make a real difference."