Matt Doherty looking forward to Wolves' top of the table clash
Matt Doherty says Wolves can’t wait to take on Bristol City in tomorrow’s top-two showdown – as he welcomed Helder Costa’s return to the side.
Wolves travel to Ashton Gate looking to protect or extend their eight-point lead over the second-placed Robins.
They will do so on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run which has seen Nuno Espirito Santo’s team installed as odds-on favourites to win promotion to the Premier League.
Doherty said: “We’re really looking forward to Bristol. There’s a bit of a gap but they’re not that far behind us. They’ll be right up for it and with it being on TV as well it’s going to be a good game.”
Wolves were given a stern test during their 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Millwall.
Despite recent results and performances looking fairly comfortable, Doherty said in reality it’s been anything but.
“We were put under pressure against Birmingham – it might not have looked as difficult because they didn’t score but we still felt the heat of it. And at Sheffield Wednesday also. We rolled our sleeves up quite well at Millwall. The disappointing thing is we’re so confident that when we go ahead we think we’re going to shut it out.
“The good thing about Christmas is we’ve got another game coming up so hopefully we’ll get a win there.”
Costa made his first Wolves start since mid-October at The Den and responded by setting up both goals. The 23-year-old has endured an injury-hit campaign but Doherty said it was great to have him back.
“I like playing with Helder,” Doherty said. “He hasn’t played as much as last season because of injury and things like that. Once he’s fully fit and confident he’s one of the best players in the league in my opinion.
“It’s a pleasure to have him on that (right) side.”
And of Wolves’ busy Christmas schedule, the Irish defender added: “It’s going fine, it’s just normal for some of us now. But even the foreign boys have taken to it quite well, no complaining or anything like that. It’s not a problem at all.”
Meanwhile, Wolves have recalled injured striker Niall Ennis from a season-long loan at Shrewsbury Town. The 18-year-old is not expected to play again this season after requiring knee surgery in August.
