Jelle Van Damme has enjoyed a pretty impressive start to his Wolves career amid the uncompromising nature of the fixtures with Stoke and Newcastle.

 

But the big Belgian believes there's more to come as he prepares for a possible first appearance on the road at Fulham tomorrow.

 

Van Damme, who returned to training yesterday following continuing ankle trouble which saw him sent home from international duty, is hoping to travel to Craven Cottage in the view of experiencing more of the same competitive atmosphere as befits life in the Barclays Premier League.

 

And all safe in the knowledge that he has more adapting to do having started his Wolves career on the left hand side of midfield.

 

"The two games I've played in have been very competitive," he says.

 

"I'm still adapting and it's still hard for me at the moment to keep the same level for 90 minutes.

 

"The pace of the game and the physical side of it is different to what I've been used to.

 

"But that's all just a matter of time and adaptation and it's not a big problem.

 

"The gaffer knows I can play on the midfield and I played there for the last year-and-a-half with Anderlecht.

 

"Even with that though it was going to take time over here because the league is quicker and more physical.

 

"I do like to try and get forward as well as helping out the defence.

 

"I'm happy with the start I've made but not completely satisfied or getting carried away.

 

"I need to keep working and get better and stronger and be able to keep my level the same for 90 minutes.

 

"That's what I'm aiming for."

 

Van Damme initially joined up with the Belgian squad albeit still nursing the ankle injury which forced him off on the opening day against Stoke and then flared up again during the visit of Newcastle.

 

 

But after discussions with the Belgian manager and coaches, common sense prevailed and the versatile left-sider was sent home for a diet of rest and treatment.

 

"I'm hoping to train again today and we'll see but hopefully I'll be available and ready," he said.

 

"I had a chat with the Belgium coach and their physios and it was agreed not to take any risks.

 

"It's a big honour to be selected for the national team and I am always proud to go but we didn't want to do anything to affect what's happening here at Wolves.

 

"It was thought that if I'd played I might have made the problem worse so the decision was made and I came back here for treatment and rest.

 

"It's the same injury I had against Stoke.

 

"After that game I didn't do any training for two weeks and then came back for Newcastle and it was still a bit of a problem.

 

"It just needed some time to calm down and hopefully it will be fine now.

 

"That's what's happened since and hopefully it will be o-k."

 

With the injury on the mend, Van Damme is now able to focus on the next Premier League assignment, at Fulham tomorrow.

 

He knows it's a tough one - as they all are - but believes Wolves can head South today with confidence about what lies ahead this season.

 

"Fulham are a good team and it will be difficult away from home," he said.

 

"They are a solid team and have got a new manager this season.

 

"We will have a chance to play our football and it's a case of keeping the ball and playing when we can.

 

"It is a difficult game but I sense a confidence about the squad here that we can go away from home and be positive and feel we can get a result.

 

"I think there's a good squad here with strength both in the team and on the bench.

 

"Hopefully we're going to have a good season."

 

* Wolves fans will feature on tomorrow's Soccer AM show as 'Fans of the week' in the now famous Luther Blissett Stand.

The Wolves fans will be providing the atmosphere in the Soccer AM studios based at Sky's headquarters in Isleworth and also taking part in the Wembley game with one minute to see how many times they can kick a ball through a hole.

The show airs live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky One from 10am on Saturday.

WOLVES HAVE SOLD OUT OF THEIR ALLOCATION FOR CRAVEN COTTAGE AND FANS WITHOUT A TICKET ARE URGED NOT TO TRAVEL.

 

We have a very limited number of hospitality packages left for the derby clash with Aston Villa on 26 September starting from just £120 per person (plus VAT).  Click HERE for further details.