Helder Costa will be like a new signing for Wolves, says John Ruddy

Wolves face arguably their toughest test of the season so far when they travel to in-form Sheffield United tonight.

The Blades are fourth, two points behind Nuno Espirito Santo’s team, and beat rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-2 on Sunday.

Wolves are in great form themselves and Ruddy says confidence is high going into a double header against the Blades and Burton. “We split the games into blocks around the international breaks – we did well in the first block which was imperative.

“And it’s important we maintain the momentum going into the next break. We’ve done that, picked up some good results and we’ve got a good chance of picking up some more points from two tough games. We’re confident going into them.”

Costa returned to the bench for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barnsley after five months out with an ankle problem.

Ruddy thinks Wolves’ attacking prowess could go up a notch with his return. “I saw Helder when playing against him (for Norwich last season) and from what the lads are saying it’ll be a new signing in itself.

“We’re really excited about that and excited to see what he can produce for us. Undoubtedly with his quality going forward, we’ll be even more of a threat than we are already.”

Barnsley’s equaliser in that win was the fourth goal Wolves have conceded from a set piece this season.

Keeper Ruddy says only minor improvements need to be made to put that right.

“It’s a strange feeling – I feel when we set up for set pieces we look solid,” he added.

“We don’t concede many from the first ball or first contacts – it’s the second phase and maybe even the third phase that we need to make sure we’re clearing our lines and regrouping and reacting to drop-downs a bit better than we have been. But our set-up is good.”