Stearman ready for next level

Wolves defender Richard Stearman hopes his new deal at Molineux will help his international aspirations.

Stearman, 23, recently signed a new three-and-a-half deal with the Premier League strugglers after being rewarded for his consistency under manager Mick McCarthy.

The former England under-21 representative was delighted with the deal and hopes that his international career can kick on now that his future is secured.

“I’m delighted to have got something signed,” Stearman told the club’s official website.

“It’s been in the back of my mind for a while now that my contract was running down and it’s great to have got something agreed with the club. Now I can just concentrate on my football.”

“I want to continue playing for Wolves in the Premier League and I’ve got international aspirations as well. But the main thing for all of us at the moment is making sure we are still in the Premier League at the end of the season.”

Stearman believes regular games in the heart of defence has helped him develop and says he is pleased with the side’s form, despite the fact Wolves sit second last on the Premier League table. “This is the first time I’ve had a sustained run in the Premier League in my natural position of centre half,” he said.”It’s great to be back in there and I hope I’m rewarding the gaffer for keeping faith in me. Personally I’m delighted with the way things have gone in recent weeks and as a team I think our form has been good despite losing at Liverpool.””We’re just looking now to trying to get through to the next round of the cup on Sunday and kick on in the league.”

Stearman praised the playing squad’s ‘spirit’ and is hopeful that the club can progress in the FA Cup – where they meet Stoke in the fourth round on Sunday – despite the potential distraction a cup run could pose to a relegation battle.”It’s about getting in a winning habit. We haven’t won too many this season so any win is good for boosting confidence,” Stearman said.”We did well in the last round by winning the replay 5-0 which gives us good confidence going into Stoke.”

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but we want to make progress if we can.”