We Want To Win Every Game

Lonergan returned to the side for Saturday’s win at home to Cardiff City - his first appearance since November.

Wolves host Nottingham Forest on Tuesday at Molineux - Lonergan is likely to feature due to Carl Ikeme picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty.

The experienced ‘keeper says that the fans expect to win every game, an expectation that matches that of the players.

“From being at club and knowing the fans, I don't think that the expectation is any different to how it’s been for any other game this season,” he said.

“They expect you to win, which is fair enough. It doesn't matter who we’re playing, Forest or Newcastle, it’s a game that we want to win and we know it’s vital that we do win.

“There is a lot of pressure here but it’s the same at every club in this league - they all expect, I reckon 90% of the teams think they have a real chance of making the play-offs, which is fair enough because there are a lot of good players and lot of good teams.

“We’re starting a mini-season since before the Ipswich game, every game’s a big game.

“We need to get safe and then to make people take notice of us.

“Until it’s mathematically impossible to get caught, we know we aren't safe.

“When we were on 35 or 36 points we knew we had a lot to do - four wins and a draw at Ipswich, you can’t really do much more - the lads have been brilliant.

“We’re not far off the target that we set at that time, we still need a few more wins to get there.

Although Lonergan is expected to start against Nottingham Forest, he realises that Carl Ikeme is the number one ‘keeper at the club.

He was full of praise for Ikeme and says that while he is in the side, he hopes he can help the team win games.

“For me, it’s just one game at a time. Carl’s (Ikeme) is the number one goal keeper, he’s an outstanding goal keeper - he deserves it.

“I just want to get in and do myself justice and help the team win.

“My last game was Sheffield Wednesday, they’re a top team and we didn't perform on that day - at Preston we were solid, I think we’re pretty good that the back.

“As a defender, having that threat up front does take a bit of pressure off you.

“If you're going into games thinking that we might only win 1-0, it’s a bit unnerving - with these guys, they can score at any opportunity which is great.

“Everyone says that 50-odd points is the target but you never know, teams can beat anyone.

“All of the teams apart from Burton lost, so it’s always nice to see that but as long as you win, you're not in that much of a rush to check the scores when you get in the dressing room.”