Nouha Dicko believes he is getting “sharper and sharper” as he aims to play a part in Saturday’s big derby away at Aston Villa (5.30pm).
After over a year out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, the popular striker came off the bench in the last league game against Norwich before notching a brace in Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy victory at Crewe.
"I'm getting sharper and sharper,” says the striker.
"I was pleased with how it went (at Crewe). This cup is good for the young ones and the first team players who need some game time.
"I wanted to play well and to win and that’s what we did.
"It’s really nice to score, I don’t really care how I score!
“But to score like this with two nice goals is really nice and I felt I could have had one or two more.
"I’m pleased with my performance – after being out for so long you just want to feel like you’re getting back and that’s how I feel now.
"I can’t tell how many sessions I need but what I can tell is I’m feeling better.
"I feel I’m getting back to where I was.
"That’s really important after you’ve been out for a long time. As a football player that’s what you fear, to not feel the same."
Dicko has not yet been available at the same time as summer signing Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, the Icelandic frontman having made a big impression since arriving but missing the last three games with injury.
Dicko would relish the opportunity to link up with the big striker, but is also confident there is plenty of competition for the those front positions.
“From what I’ve seen from Jon he’s a really good player and a good team player,” he says.
“He makes a big difference in the team. I think it’s not only me, it’s the whole team that likes to play with him and I’d be the same.
“Whether it’s him, or Joe Mason or Paul Gladon, I’d be happy to play with all of them.
“We have a good squad and I really think we’ll do well this season.”
Focus now turns to Villa Park on Saturday, and Wolves’ aiming for a second successful visit to the Second City in the early stages of the campaign.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” says Dicko.
“The derby is always exciting and you can tell everyone is excited, the people in Wolverhampton and the Villa fans as well.
“I hope I can play my part but the most important thing is we get a win because it would mean so much to the team, to the fans and for the season as well.
“We have to do well and win this game – that’s what we’re going there to do.
“I hope I’ll be able to play.”
