Wolverhampton Wanderers keeper John Ruddy has claimed that Portuguese winger Helder Costa's imminent return from a long-term injury will be like "a new signing" in the side's fight for promotion this season.

Costa joined the Midlands side last season for a then-club record fee of £13m and was one of the standout performers, scoring 10 goals and creating eight more, before being sidelined with a serious knee injury in April.

The 23-year-old has returned to training in recent weeks however, and was named on the bench for the first time this season in Wolves' 2-1 win over Barnsley at the weekend.

Ruddy played against Costa while between the sticks for Norwich City last term and says that the team are "really excited" to see him return to the fold and feature along summer signings Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota, Alfred N'Diaye and Leo Bonatini for the first time.

"I saw Helder when playing against him [last season] and from what the lads are saying it'll be a new signing in itself," Ruddy told the Express & Star.

"We're really excited about that and excited to see what he can produce for us. Undoubtedly with his quality going forward, we'll be even more of a threat than we are already."

Costa could feature for the first time this season tonight when Nuno Espirito Santo's side travel to Sheffield United looking to go top of the Championship table.