JAMES McFadden’s route back to the Premier League with Wolves could be a slow one.

The Scottish striker is set to sign a deal after proving his fitness.

Mick McCarthy said: “I want to sign him now and I sincerely hope we can. He had a knee injury but he’s recovered from that and he looks fine.

“He’s a talented lad who is a good character and he’s fitted in really well. He’s enjoyed it, we’ve enjoyed having him and he’ll be a great addition to our squad.”

Unlike Albion with Owen Hargreaves, it does not appear that Wolves will lose McFadden.

Asked if he would be ready to play in the Premier League in a fortnight, McCarthy answered: “That will be determined by how he keeps ticking along.

“But no, I don’t see him being ready to play in a couple of weeks’ time.”

McFadden is ‘not ready’ to join up with Scotland.

“He’s doing all right, he’s fine, he’s training, but he’s got to get up to match tempo really and he hasn’t had a game yet,’’ said McCarthy.