Kevin McDonald in line for full Wolves debut at Port Vale

The 24-year-old Scottish midfielder, one of only two recruits by head coach Kenny Jackett so far, is set to continue where he left off when helping Wolves grab a dramatic last-minute win over Crawley last Friday.

McDonald's role in the build-up to the Leigh Griffiths penalty which won the game registered a big plus with Jackett, although he is still deferring questions about his starting line-up.

"It's fair to say he is in my thoughts for Saturday," said Jackett. "But I have not yet got down to finalising our plans for that game.

"I've watched the replay of the winning goal from Friday and I like what I saw – his drive into the penalty box, into that 18-yard box after playing that great one-two with Leigh Griffiths.

"We want that from players, we want them taking responsibility because without it we would not have had the situation which led to the penalty."

Whatever the starting line-up, Wolves will be stepping into a challenging atmosphere. With yet another sell-out away following, Port Vale expect their biggest gate for 15 years.

Vale forward Louis Dodds summed up the growing expectation for the fixture, saying: "Wolves are a massive club – they were in the Premier League two years ago – and it is going to be a great atmosphere.

"Hopefully it will be what Vale Park is getting used to for years to come.

"The big crowds we had here last year were amazing and it gives the players such a big boost. Hopefully we can send them home happy."

* Wolves today firmly dismissed speculation that Nottingham Forest have firmed up their interest in Bakary Sako by lodging a bid for the winger. The club, who have slapped a £4m price tag on last summer's £3.5m signing, maintain Forest have not advanced their initial interest.