By Matthew Jones
August 5 2002

Wolves have been given the Premiership stamp of approval - by Newcastle's £20m-rated player Kieron Dyer. Just what did he say? Wolves have been given the Premiership stamp of approval - by Newcastle's £20m-rated player Kieron Dyer.

The England World Cup midfielder also tipped Joleon Lescott to join him in the full international squad.

Dyer's praise came after Newcastle's 2-0 win at Molineux on Saturday, when the Geordies were given a stern test by Dave Jones's side despite the scoreline.

"Wolves should go into the season with a lot of confidence, definitely as one of the favourites to go up," said Dyer.

"I fancy my old club Ipswich because they occupy a special place in my heart, but it would be nice to see Wolves finish second.

"They have a magnificent stadium, they are a massive club, they have a great set of fans and it would be wonderful for a team like this to grace the Premiership.

"Wolves had more chances than us and they gave us a great workout.

"I thought they were sharper than us and it showed. They looked ahead of us in their preparations and it was the perfect workout.

"It would also be nice for West Midlands football if Wolves went up because Villa, Albion and Blues are already there and I wish Wolves all the best."

Dyer also believes Lescott is a future England international after another highly impressive performance from the youngster who signed a five-year contract earlier this summer.

"I've heard so much about the young centre-half Joleon Lescott. He seems to have all the attributes to be a wonderful defender and I firmly believe he will play in the Premiership eventually - with Wolves or someone else.

"If he keeps progressing like he is he could make it into the England side. But to be fair England have got an abundance of young centre-halves.

"Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell are in control at the moment but we've got Jonathon Woodgate coming through, Titus Bramble and Chris Riggott - the list goes on.

"It's all about progressing, but he's got a good manager and if he keeps listening then he's got a great chance."