Wolves quartet of summer new faces has been welcomed by captain Karl Henry and winger Michael Kightly ahead of Monday's return for pre-season.

 

The four new boys - Jelle Van Damme, Steven Fletcher, Steven Mouyokolo and Stephen Hunt - will be among those reporting to Compton as the fitness starts ahead of preparations for Wolves' second successive campaign in the Barclays Premier League.

 

And Henry believes the current players will relish the extra freshness and competition for places which the new boys will bring.

 

Particularly because he thinks next season will prove just as tough a survival battle as the one just gone.

 

"We knew the gaffer was going to try and strengthen and it's what everyone in the squad wants," he says.

 

"We know how difficult it's going to be again just to survive in the division and we need to improve.

 

"There's no point anyone thinking it's suddenly going to become easier and we're going to be aiming for the Europa League or anything like that.

 

"Every other team in the division is going to improve and we are going to have to do the same.

 

"The signings look good.

 

"I don't know too much about Van Damme but he's got Champions League experience and Steven Mouyokolo has had a season in the Premier League.

"Steven Fletcher has already proved he can score goals at this level and will add to our attacking options.

 

"And I've always liked Stephen Hunt as a player."

 

Kightly added:  "It's healthy to have made new signings and they look very good signings.

 

"They always say the second year is a lot tougher than the first and we are going to need the experience and quality which has come in."

 

Of course one of the four won't be fit to play a part immediately in Wolves season as Hunt - like Kightly - continues his rehabilitation.

 

But there's no doubting from Henry or Kightly that the Irish winger will prove a quality addition to the ranks.

 

 

"Every time I've seen Stephen Hunt play he's not only showed his quality but he also has that work ethic which is the minimum of what the gaffer requires from everyone here," says Henry.

 

"He works really hard for the team, he's honest and he's determined, and I think all that will ensure he fits in perfectly here.

 

"He also chips in with a few goals as well as creating chances, and should add to our threat going forward.

"It's good not only to bring these new players in for what they can bring to the squad, but also in continuing to push the rest of us already here.

 

"When you're at a club and new players come in you have to raise your own standards if you want to keep your place and that can only benefit the squad as a whole."

 

Kightly, who could ultimately found himself battling Hunt for a place in the side, agrees.

"A few of the boys know Hunty and all I have ever heard are good things," he adds.

 

"He's a great player and has been for a number of years.

 

"It's good that he's on board.

 

"He's the type of player that Wolves like - he works hard for the team and has got a lot of quality."