Experienced defender Luke Chambers has given partner Tommy Smith a massive vote of confidence after his unfortunate blunder gifted Wolves their first goal in the 2-0 midweek home defeat.
Fall-guy Smith may have played in the World Cup for his adopted New Zealand but in terms of appearances at club level he is lagging way behind Chambers, who has clocked up more than three times as many senior games.
Chambers said: "I think Tommy’s done well. Obviously, he scored the own goal the other night but I think his overall game has improved since the start of the season.
"I’m enjoying playing alongside Tommy and we just need to start keeping clean sheets. But it’s not just about the back four — it’s about the whole team.
"We identified before the game on Wednesday the need to not give silly freekicks away in wide areas but we did that in the latter stages of the game and that’s where they got their first goal from.
"We need to concentrate on the small details — the gaffer has mentioned them a lot and I totally agree with him — and we’ll be a stronger side for it.”
Chambers understands the need for defensive reinforcements - Stoke's Danny Higginbotham joined on loan for a month late yesterday afternoon - and will be happy to see a new face in the dressing room.
He added: "The gaffer is trying to bring in players all the time and not just a centre-half. There’s only Tommy and I to play there so if we have an injury it looks very, very threadbare.
"I don’t think he wants to bring in just anyone. It has to be the right acquisition and that’s the manager’s job. I’m sure he is looking around every single minute of the day to see who he can bring in to improve the squad.
"There has to be competition for places. You’ve seen the lads who have had to sit on the bench so far this season, which shows that if you are not playing your best football there are players to come in.
"It’s a squad game, especially in this division with so many games. You have to be focused and everyone has to be at their peak for every minute of every game.”