BLUES boss Kevin Keegan says Wolverhampton Wanderers deserve to join Manchester City in the Premiership next season.

Keegan has admitted to sympathising with the Molineux outfit, whose burning ambition for a Premiership place has remained unfulfilled for years.

And he added that Dave Jones's charges would be a great addition to the Premiership.

"It's a wonderful club with wonderful fans," he said.

"I hope Wolves do come up and that's no disrespect to West Brom, who can come up through the play-offs.

"They've got the stadium, they've got the manager, they've got some very good players here and the last thing you could say about their chairman is that he's been tight with his money. He's backed his club, and if there's any justice they'll be in the Premiership."

City blew the race for the second automatic promotion slot wide open with a 2-0 triumph over Wolves on Monday opening the door for West Brom to make a late charge.

But Keegan still believes Wolves will prevail in the fight for the second automatic promotion place, with the Baggies left facing a tough midlands derby against Brimingham in the play-offs.

"I think we're the best two sides in the division over the season but they've still got to prove that. We've gone some way towards doing that with our win there.

"Dave Jones deserves to be in the Premiership, he was there before and he should never have had to come out of it. I sincerely hope he does get them there."

The Midlanders will have to do it the hard way after losing 1-0 at Millwall last night. The defeat was welcome news for City as it ensured they have bounced straight back from last year's relegation, with their place in the top flight assured.