When Ian Holloway called Matt Murray "a monster", he meant it as a compliment. "Where did they find him?" Holloway, the Plymouth Argyle manager, said of the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper.

Actually, Murray has been around for quite a time - nine years as a professional with Wolves - but injuries and bad luck have hindered his progress.

Nevertheless, his performance for Wolves against Plymouth last Saturday left a good impression. Wolves, now in transition under Mick McCarthy, drew 1-1 but the return of Murray after a foot injury augurs well.

Murray's early days as a professional were overshadowed by a knee injury. But anyone who went to the Millennium Stadium for Wolves's play-off victory against Sheffield United in May 2003 will recall how much he did to ensure promotion.

Now, it seems, he is back to his best - and likely to make the starting line-up for the Coca-Cola Championship match at home to Ipswich Town tonight.

Not that he is listening too much to the compliments. "Early in the first half, I was busy but after that I didn't think they [Plymouth] looked like scoring," the modest Murray said. "In the second half, I only had one real save to make.

"The gaffer [McCarthy] had a good chat with us at half-time and I think everyone responded well. It was a good all-round team performance and it's always nice to feel you've done your bit.

"A lot of people say 'it's a hard place to go to' about plenty of grounds in the Championship but this one really is. It's a long journey down and there are great fans there and a good team. Ian Holloway is a good manager and his teams are always well-organised and give you a stern test."

In nine years, Murray has played just 44 matches for the club so he was understandably happy to have come through the game unscathed.

"It's always worrying whenever I feel anything on my foot but the scan was very positive," Murray said.

"To be able to put in a decent performance without feeling my foot has put my mind at rest. With the injuries I've had I try not to think about them but it's always at the back of your mind. The scan was good so I just want to get out there and play."

Gary Breen, the Wolves defender, is doubtful for the match against Ipswich after sustaining an ankle injury in the first half against Plymouth.