Matt Murray on the road back to fitness for Wolves

Jul 31 2008 By Brian Halford

WOLVES goalkeeper Matt Murray has taken a step forward along the road to recovery from his serious knee injury.

But the 27-year-old will not be in first-team contention for some time yet. And manager Mick McCarthy, while welcoming Murray’s progress, today stressed the top priority for the Solihull-born player was the long term.

It is to make sure that, when Murray does return, he does so ready to get not just more games but more seasons under his belt.

“Matt has been out running for the first time and that is very pleasing,” McCarthy said. “He is getting there, but is still some way off. He will be ready when he is ready.

“Rushing his recovery would probably make things worse. We have Wayne Hennessey and Carl Ikeme is in excellent form so there is no need for Matt to rush back.

“I know he wants to get back as soon as he can but it is more important he has the next six or seven years of his career to look forward to.”

With first-choice ‘keeper Hennessey nursing a minor injury, which could clear up for the home friendly against Blackburn this Saturday, Ikeme has figured in recent friendlies and done well.

*FORMER Wolves ‘keeper Michael Oakes was on the bench for the 1-0 win at Walsall on Tuesday but McCarthy insists he just stepped in as a favour.