But for just a couple of inches, Adlene Guedioura could have made a spectacular impact to his first local derby, Wolves could have struck a second goal at local rivals Birmingham, and Mick McCarthy's men might have ended up with all three points.

All if's, but's and maybe's of course, but had Guedioura's 77^th minute thunderbolt from 30 yards dipped just below the crossbar rathen than marginally clearing it then events at St Andrew's would have taken a completely different turn.

Three minutes later however Kevin Phillips notched the first of his late brace, and the rest is all too painful history.

Guedioura's cameo from the bench however, easily his longest Wolves appearance to date after coming on in the dying stages against Liverpool and Hull, provided a glimmer of positivity amid the crushing derby disappointment.

"I felt good out there and happy to get on the pitch to play for 30 minutes," admits the January signing.

"It's nice for me but obviously I can't be happy because of the final result.

"It was not a good result for us especially with how we had played up until those last few minutes.

"The atmosphere was great for a local derby game and I did enjoy the experience.

"But I can't enjoy it completely because we came off having lost the game."

What Guedioura does enjoy however is a pop at goal, and he had already preceded his long range effort with another run and shot saved by Joe Hart shortly after the Frenchman came off the bench.

It all goes to show that the 24-year-old is already feeling at home having joined Wolves from Charleroi.

"Yes I had a couple of chances and the second shot was very close," he adds.

"It's just a shame the ball wasn't that little bit lower and dropped under the bar.

"I do like to shoot when I've got an opportunity and have scored goals from long range when I've played in France.

"It's just a case of trying to them on target when I do.

"I just like to do what I can and get about the pitch to work for the team as well as getting on the ball when I can.

"I feel like I've settled in well.

"I'm enjoying it here, there's a good mentality at the club and the other players, manager and staff have made me feel welcome.

"The injury I had was only a knock but I couldn't have played in the Crystal Palace match anyway.

"But I'm fit again now and ready to play whenever selected."

Whether Guedioura is inching close to a start remains to be seen.

But whatever his involvement against Tottenham at Molineux tomorrow night, he is hopeful Wolves can spring a surprise against a Spurs side bidding to qualify for the Champions League.

"It is good to have a match so soon after the disappointment of Birmingham," adds the midfielder.

"Tottenham are one of the big teams and a very good team but when we are at home we have to make it count.

"We have to use it to our advantage even when if we are up against a big team and feel confident that we can get a positive result.

"I feel I am ready for a start when the manager wants to but obviously it's his choice.

"I hope that little by little I am showing what I can do in training and the times I get on the pitch.

"If I do get a chance then it's up to me to make sure I take it."