Karl Henry prepared for Wolves' Premier League return by playing in park with old men

Wolves skipper Karl Henry has revealed he prepared for the Premier League this summer by playing park football with middle-aged men.

Defensive midfielder Henry, 27, is born and bred in Wolverhampton and grew up in Ashmore Park.

Down-to-earth Henry still lives locally and remains close to his pals from the estate.

And Henry celebrated winning the Championship by playing with his old mates numerous times during May and June before pre-season training.

“I think people were surprised I came back so fit,” said Henry ahead of Arsenal’s visit today.

“But I played a lot of football with my friends in the summer. Once or twice a week we played on the astro-turf at Cannock cricket and hockey club.

“There must be 10 or 20 people from Ashmore Park who meet up on a Monday night and play on the astro turf.

“I join them in the summer on Mondays and also on a Wednesday night at a local school.

“A lot of them are like 50 years old but quite often I was on the losing team.

“It can get pretty heated but they are all good guys.

“They go easy on me and it is good for your fitness. I hardly score even against them though - I go over there and tackle them and keep it simple.”

Henry has been Wolves’ star performer this term as his combative displays in a holding midfield role have stopped Mick McCarthy’s side being over-run in the top-flight.

The ace, who penned a new long-term deal in the summer, is revelling in the job of captaining Wolves and hopes his displays have finally won over all of the club’s fans.

“In this league maybe there is more of a need for someone like myself to be winning the ball back,” added Henry, signed from Stoke in August 2006 for a bargain £100,000.

“Last season at times we had the ball a lot but I am not an attacking player and am not going to shine as much.

“This season I think it is some of the best football I have played for this club since I have been here.

“It is nice it has coincided with us being in the Premier League. It is fantastic and I have really enjoyed the season so far. I am thoroughly enjoying being captain.

“Anyone who has worn the armband will know how special it is and you want to keep it.

“You have that responsibility and it either hinders you or makes you a better player and I feel for me it is definitely the latter.”

But Henry knows he faces a daunting task today leading Wolves out against Arsenal.

He said: “I will have my work cut out and whoever they put out are world class players.

“It is going to be a real tough test and we will need some big performances from us.”