Wolverhampton Wanderers are closing in on a long-awaited return to the Premier League but face a difficult test upon their return to league action on Friday afternoon, when they travel to the north east to take on Middlesbrough.

The fixture comes almost two weeks after Wolves' last outing and boss Nuno Santo will reunite his squad following the conclusion of the international break in the next couple of days.

Defender Ryan Bennett was not involved in international fixtures, but stressed that the club are ready to continue their excellent form prior to the pause in proceedings.

"We know we've got an important eight games coming up and we've got one goal which is to win the league," he told the club's official website.

"It would have been nice to keep the momentum going but we've been in these situations before throughout the season and we'll make sure we hit the ground running again when we come back."

The Verdict

Wolves still hold the advantage over Cardiff City despite the Bluebirds closing the gap on the league leaders in recent weeks, but a run of two wins on the bounce before the international break has left Santo's side in a commanding position.

Bennett's confident mood will please fans ahead of their return to action, but a tough trip to an in form Middlesbrough side awaits.

However. Santo's men will go into the tie favourites to take the three points and victory will put them once step closer to their dream of lifting the second-tier crown.

Wolves fans, thoughts?