Coady And Saville Promise

Gaffer's praise for young midfielders

Kenny Jackett has praised the resurgence of Conor Coady after his powerhouse display against Derby County on Saturday.

The summer signing started the season in impressive form, before losing his place after a red card against Brighton, but the Head Coach feels he has returned to his best in recent weeks, culminating with his performance against the Rams.

Jackett also believes he is one of those players through the spine of the Wolves’ team that can also show their leadership qualities.

“I’ve been pleased with Conor this season, he’s coming on and improving,” he says.

“It's his second season at this level and I think he looks comfortable now in the Championship.

"He covered every blade of grass against Derby, which is exactly what you want to see a midfield player do.

"He’s certainly a captain-type.

“Dave Edwards has generally been our experienced player in that area and somebody who since I’ve been here has pulled things together, doing the right thing at the right time.

"Kevin McDonald at aged 27 now leads by what he can bring on the ball and create for you, and he has a considerable amount of ability for that.

"Conor can give you some drive, and some personality to be able to dominate what is a key area."

Conor, McDonald and George Saville all impressed in a midfield three against Derby, and Saville is another whom Jackett feels will only get better.

“I think George Saville has a lot of talent and ability, I’ve always felt that," he said.

"As he develops physically over the next 18 months I think his talent will show more and more.

"We’ve bought a number of developing players and I think it’s a good route

"Are you going to go like Derby and buy Bradley Johnson , buy Jacon Butterfield, for ‘X’, or are you going to develop Lee Evans or develop George Saville?

"Our back four and goalkeeper all have played some part in our under-21 system.

"Certainly you’re watching developing players rather than, let’s say Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh, who are at the other end of the scale.

"They’re developing quite well, developing to be able to distribute from the back, developing in particularly to be able to earn clean sheets."