Marcus Hahnemann has warned that Wolverhampton Wanderers must make a ‘‘huge jump’’ in quality if they are to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season.

Hahnemann, 37, recently joined Wolves from Reading, having spent two years in the Premier League with the Berkshire club.

‘‘The speed of the players has a huge influence on how you play the game in the Premier League. There are times that you come for a through ball, and you won’t get anywhere near it because the guys you are up against are so fast’’ Hahnemann said.

"Players in the Premiership tend to be bigger, stronger and faster than those in the Championship and the skill level increases as well’’. Hahnemann continued, "It's a huge jump that is almost hard to explain. That first game is like a little wake-up call and it will happen to us this season.’’

"Hopefully, we won't be too shocked by it and can adjust and come to grips with it quickly because we are going to need to."

Hahnemann made 303 appearances for Reading as the club’s first choice keeper’ in seven seasons at the club. He does, however, foresee tougher competition for a starting place at Wolves, saying ‘‘Competition for places is always good. There are some very good keepers. Hopefully, with my experience, we can be very strong in that position and we won't have any worries this season."

Hahnemann was Wolves’ second capture of the summer, joining Serbian international midfielder Nenad Milijaš at the club.