Steven Schumacher is relishing the prospect of a first taste of Molineux as the Whites prepare to take on another of the Championship heavyweights, writes Pete Oliver.
Schumacher hasn’t previously pitted his wits against Wolves but takes Wanderers to the West Midlands for the first of two away games this week against sides with recent Premier League pedigree.
“They're exciting challenges for us, which what we work so hard for. We know it'll be a tough game at Wolves and then we've got another one to look forward to at the weekend (at Southampton). But that's the Championship, that's why everybody loves it. There are some really good teams involved in it and we're just glad to be one of them,” said the Whites’ head coach.
“We're going to have to play at our very best to get anything from both of the games, so starting on Tuesday night we won't be able to carry anybody.
“You're going to have to make sure that the whole team buy into the game-plan, commit to it and everybody plays to the best of their ability. That's what we're going to need to do every week if we're going to get points on the board.
“It's a ground that I've never been to, unless my dad took me when I was a kid. I definitely haven't been there as a player or as a coach, so I'm looking forward to it. I know what a good atmosphere it will be.
“Night games are always that little bit more special anyway, under the lights, so hopefully we can go and perform as well as we did at Sheffield United and go and take the game to Wolves in the areas that we can and, hopefully, we can come away from it with some points.”
Wanderers lost a five-goal thriller at Sheffield United last month before securing a first away win of the campaign at Norwich City in their last away trip ahead of the international break.
Saturday’s defeat to Stoke City prevented the Whites building on that with a third successive victory as they slipped a couple of places to 17th in the table.
Substitute Thelonius Bair scored late on against the Potters to register his first goal in the EFL and the big striker could be pushing for a starting spot against a Wolves side unbeaten at home since relegation from the top tier and currently sitting fifth in the Championship as they bid to bounce straight back.
“That's what we have to try and build a squad for, especially when everyone's fit,” added Schumacher, who confirmed that defender Chris Forino remains sidelined but will be back in training later this week with a return to duty against Middlesbrough on Friday-week in his sights.
“You're going to need everybody. It's very rare that you don't make all five changes, especially in this league because it is so difficult and physically it's challenging.
“We got a good response from the lads who came off the bench. Theo took his goal really well and previously he came off the bench against Cardiff and set one up. Everyone should follow in his footsteps really and just be ready to make an impact when called upon.”
Watch the full pre-match interview with the boss on Wanderers TV