Olofinjana: Good start is crucial

Jul 31 2007 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

SEYI Olofinjana today pinpointed the need for Wolves to hit the ground running in the Championship's big kick off - to build on the feelgood factor generated last season.

Wolves face a tough first couple of fixtures when the season starts on Saturday week, following up a home clash with Watford, last season in the Premiership, with a trip to a Sheffield Wednesday side which finished last season like a train.

And Olofinjana knows how important it is for Wolves to get out of the traps.

"Every team is going to be a threat next season because very team wants to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers," he said. "That's why we have to be up for it right from the start.

"The first few games are very important because if we do well in those we will lift our spirits and believe in ourselves again.

"It will also give something to the crowd, show them that we are ready to go again, because we are going to need everybody.

"If we are going to do anything this season we are going to have to really step it up every game."

Olofinjana, who insists he's not yet thinking about his likely absence on African Nations Cup commitments for around a month in the New Year, is relishing the fight for places in the midfield engine room.

Darren Potter, Karl Henry and Stephen Gleeson are currently battling it out while Mark Davies is close to recovering from injury.

"We've got a very good mix in midfield," added Olofinjana. "Myself, Darren, Karl and Stephen all play differently, I think we are all good players and all have our shortcomings.

"I think it will depend on games what the manager will be thinking, he knows who will complement each other and see what we have and what we don't have."