KEVIN Nolan says Wanderers could not be better prepared for tomorrow's big kick off.

Sam Allardyce may have reservations that some of his summer signings are still playing catch-up, but it is the same tried and tested story when it comes to getting the rest ready for Premiership action.

What Wanderers have lacked in money to buy the best players, they have made up for in making sure the team is perfectly prepared.

Nolan says that attention to detail has not changed. And, with players of impressive pedigree having been recruited for next season, the Wanderers goalscoring midfielder is optimistic about his club's prospects.

He said: "Everything has been spot on with our preparations. Our backroom staff has studied what we need and what we need to do.

"Last season we finished in eighth place but we expected it. This season it is all about doing better."

And Nolan is relishing the challenge as the 22-year-old continues his maturity from teenage starlet to established Premiership star.

"I am starting to feel like the old man of the team with all the younger lads who are around us now," he said.

"We have a small squad at the moment but a talented one. I'm really looking forward to the first game. I was feeling a thigh strain last week and the runout I got against Real Zaragoza was vital for me."

"It was important to get half a game under my belt. It is only after the first four games of the Premiership that you feel at the top level of fitness."