Wolverhampton v Doncaster Rovers: Wanderer returns to Molineux looking at Cup upset

Friend, who returns to his former club tonight in the FA Cup with Doncaster Rovers, played eight times for Wolves and his final appearance was against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, the defender's only appearance in a home game for the Black Country club lasted just 12 minutes – and that was nearly two years ago in a Championship game against Plymouth.

Now back in action after three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Friend is pushing for a start in tonight's third-round replay after coming on as a substitute in Rovers' weekend defeat against Reading.

"It always means something extra for players against their former teams but it will just be nice for me to actually play at Molineux," he said. "Unfortunately, most of my games for Wolves were away so whether the home crowd will know me, I am not sure. But the travelling fans gave me a cheer and a clap in the first game at the Keepmoat so that was a positive reception."

Reflecting on his time at the Premier League club, Friend said: "It was a dream move for me because I was playing for Exeter City who had just won promotion from the Conference. Wolves were top of the Championship and doing really well but when I arrived I was a fringe player coming in and out of the side.

"To be honest, getting to the Premier League was probably bad timing as far as my chances were concerned. They bought other players and it was a bit frustrating because I never got to play as many games as I would have hoped. However, I still learned a great deal under Mick McCarthy and the coaching staff and I owe a lot to Wolves. I never established a place but it was still a great experience to work with Mick and all the great players at that club."

McCarthy paid 350,000 to sign Friend from Exeter yet the fullback spent the majority of his two year contract out on loan to clubs including Millwall, Southend United and Scunthorpe United.

After his release by Wolves last summer, Friend jumped at the offer of a two-year deal with Doncaster who are managed by a lifelong Wolves supporter in Sean O'Driscoll.

"I could see how much potential they had at this club," he said. "And it would be truly massive if this club could reach the top flight. However, I know it's a cliche, but we are just taking each game as it comes."

Rovers dropped to 15th in the Championship table after Saturday's shock 3-0 defeat but are still only eight points adrift of the top six with games in hand on most clubs.

Friend started the game on the bench but was introduced after 32 minutes following an injury to Joseph Mills. All three Reading goals could be described as 'avoidable' and the last saw Friend's attempted clearance strike opponent Jobi McAnuff and fly into the Rovers net.

"You just have to try and pick yourself up after a game like that and move on," he said. "Reading were a better side, they played better, and we were sloppy at the back. Everyone could have done a bit better in some of those circumstances. We have to learn from performances like that and, rest assured, the manager and (his assistant) Richard O'Kelly will not allow us to forget that we have to be better than that, which is good.

"For the third goal, I was just running to clear it and the ball came back off McAnuff," he sighed. "If I did that another 100 times, I don't think it would come back like that and go in."

Tonight, Rovers will be aiming to rediscover the form that so nearly dumped Wolves out of the Cup 10 days ago. After falling behind to a stunning goal from Serbian international Nenad Milijas, Rovers took the lead courtesy of goals from strikers Billy Sharp and James Hayter. Wolves equalised with a Stephen Hunt penalty at the start of the second half but were given a real scare towards the end after being reduced to 10 men by the dismissal of George Elokobi.

"You have to remember that Wolves are a Premiership side and they put out a strong team against us at the Keepmoat," said Friend. "We scored two great goals and their first was a wonder goal. But we did well and we hung in there. Maybe we could have exploited their 10 men towards the end of the game – but we will look to do some damage in the replay.

"There's always a possibility that Wolves could under-estimate us and rest a few players but, whatever side Wolves put out under Mick McCarthy, we know they will be strong and ready to give us a good game," he added.

"I have not played in many FA Cup games and my best memory is (six years ago) when Exeter took Manchester United to a replay – but I was only a youngster (aged 17) and did not play.

"I would love to have a good run in this season's competition and, who knows, if we win this game we could be up against another Premier League team if Stoke beat Cardiff?

"We would fancy our chances in that."