Wolves defender Jody Craddock is relishing the challenge of holding onto his first-team place in Mick McCarthy`s new-look side next season.

Craddock, 32, was handed a new one-year deal over the summer while fellow centre-halves Darren Ward and Rob Edwards were transfer-listed and Gary Breen released.

Boss McCarthy has already brought in Richard Stearman from Leicester and is looking for another centre-back, having been linked with Norwich`s Jason Shackell and Christophe Berra of Hearts.

But Craddock is confident he can keep the new boys at bay when the Championship season kicks off on August 9.

"I`m never happy in the reserves and I was made up with the extra year`s contract," he told the club`s official website.

"That was my goal, I got that and now I want to play again this season. It`s up to me, I know I have to be playing well to be in the team."