Wolves won’t be howling

RYAN BENNETT says he will not be complaining about the hectic start to the season thrown up by Wolves’ European adventure.

The defender vowed there would be no grumbles after victory over Irish side Crusaders meant Wolves face a 6,300-mile round trip to Armenia on Thursday.

Pyunik Yerevan – whose stadium has a capacity of 770 – stand between Wolves and the play-off round of Europe League qualifying. And the trip may not be relished three days before they kick off their Premier League campaign at Leicester.

But Wolves are back in Europe for the first time in 40 years and Bennett says they are treating the competition with respect.

He said: “Armenia will be a lot different but the whole point of us getting into this competition was to advance as far as we can, and that’s what we’re trying to do. It’s our job. A lot of our supporters have tough jobs, so we won’t be moaning.

“It’s a tricky one in terms of travel for the supporters who obviously want to be part of the European tour. That’s why playing in Belfast has probably been such a great experience for them.

“It’s not ideal with the Leicester game coming so quickly after but we have all the things made available to us to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible in terms of recovery and rest.”

Bennett, above, says such is the professionalism at Molineux that the files on Pyunik have already been compiled.

He said: “We’re prepared for that both on and off the pitch. We’ve had people out there already looking at where we will be staying, facilities and all things like that. This club is totally professional out there and behind the scenes. There’s no stone left unturned.”

Bennett gave hope to Crusaders on Thursday when he headed into his own net after 14 minutes but then scored at the right end in a 4-1 win for a 6-1 aggregate victory.

He said: “The own-goal wasn’t exactly the ideal start for me. It was just one of those things and you get on with it. But it did feel good to get one at the other end just to make up for it.”