Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Kevin McDonald has backed the club's decision to hand a new contract to defender Richard Stearman.

The League One champions are reportedly days away from officially confirming that Stearman will remain at Molineux, and McDonald believes that his teammate deserves to be handed a fresh contract after helping the club earn promotion to the Championship.

The 25-year-old is quoted by the Express & Star as saying: "Stears was fantastic this season, from start to finish.

"Some people have their doubts about him but I don't know why because from what I've seen, he showed excellent form all the way through, like all the defence did."

Stearman, who made 44 appearances for Wolves last season, had been linked with a move to Middlesbrough.