Wolves coach Dennis Brown remains confident that his team can bounce back in time for the Dudley Eve tournament despite last week's loss to Devonshire Colts in the Friendship Trophy.

"Our morale remains high despite the loss," said Brown. "However, we will use that experience as a wake-up call."

The coach believes their key to success might be in defence, noting his players can't afford mental lapses in their opening match against PHC tomorrow night, having lost to the Zebras 3-0 back in October.

"In order for us to advance to the next phase, we will definitely have to contain their attack and if we come out and display another poor performance defensively against PHC, then it will turn out to be another long night," said Brown.

Wolves, who have had to persevere without the services of Mark Ray (injury), the suspended Chae Simmons and Adam Outerbridge (work commitments), have welcomed back sweeper Jamel Warren. And they will be further strengthened by the return from suspension of Nakia Smith.

"We've done fairly well to qualify although there remain certain areas where we will need to improve, particularly defensively against an attacking side like PHC," said Brown.

"At times during matches I feel that we become complacent and allow teams to come back at us. We need to stay focused, especially going into the Dudley Eve.

"We have not been capitalising on our chances. During our last match, the guys created several chances but failed to convert them into goals."

Wolves' trophy aspirations will rest heavily on the shoulders of stalwarts Nakia Smith, Anthony Thomas, Vincent Minors, Tori Davis and Sekai Waldron.

Ray almost certainly won't be back until after the competition, Brown insisting he won't rush the return of his valued midfielder.