Dave Edwards is aiming for an impressive performance but individually and for the Wolves team as he prepares for tonight's friendly with Walsall (kick off 7.45pm).

The Welsh international midfielder is set to start the game at the Banks's Stadium as boss Mick McCarthy rotates his squad after Saturday's opening friendly against Bohemians.

And he admits all the squad will be trying to impress the manager amid a fierce battle for places for the opening game of the season against Stoke on August 14.

"The gaffer has said that those who came off the bench will be starting tonight and it's the next step to get more minutes under the belt," says Edwards.

"From a personal point of view it's about me trying to start pre-season well and the team putting in another good performance.

"It is the start of the battle for places for the start of the season.

"Without putting too much pressure on yourself, it is about building up fitness but also playing well at the same time.

"If we are playing some decent football as well as a team it should help everyone on an individual basis as well."

Edwards came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Saturday's pre-season curtain-raiser at Bohemians, when Wolves enjoyed a 3-0 win against the under-strength Irish side.

He admits it's always nice to get back out onto the pitch to dust down any summer cobwebs.

"After all the fitness work I'm sure everyone was looking forward to playing some football again," he said.

"It's always very different in a match environment and it was good to get 20 minutes.

"I thought the boys did very well.

"There was a bit of rustiness but you always expect that in your first pre-season game but overall it was very good."

And while results are never the main priority during pre-season, Edwards knows that victories certainly don't do any harm.

"Results aren't the main aim in pre-season but at the same time it is nice to win a few games and build up a winning mentality," he explained.

"I remember the pre-season before we went up from the Championship we did very well and that followed through into the first seven or eight games of the season.

"All the players want to go out there and try and prove a point but it's also important for the team to put on a performance and get a win if possible."

Games between Wolves and Walsall - even friendlies - always prove well-received affairs due to the club's close promixity.

Indeed last season's game saw a steady flow of Wolves fans entering the stadium for the opening minutes of the game, prompting a message to arrive early at the Banks's tonight well in time for the 7.45pm kick off.

Edwards is looking forward to playing in front of the Wolves supporters once again.

"There were some good numbers of fans out in Ireland last week and I imagine there'll be more again for the game at Walsall," he said.

"It will be nice to play in front of the fans again and give something to cheer again because while it is a friendly, it's a local game for the supporters."

* Click here for the latest Ticket News ahead of tonight's game.