Kenny Jackett was pleased with a fast and competitive workout as Wolves posted a 2-0 pre-season friendly win against Crewe at the Alexandra Stadium.
A fine first half finish from Dominic Iorfa put Wolves in front before Joe Mason sealed the victory with an impressive run and clipped finish a minute from time.
“I thought it was a very good game and a fast game and, fitness-wise, it was also very good,” said the Head Coach.
“It is always nice to win which was hard-earned with two good goals.
“It was exactly what we needed with a lot of the players getting their first 90 minutes – a clean sheet and two good goals.
“It was a terrific finish from Iorfa and then an excellent goal from Mason at the end.
“James Henry in the 10 role got hold of the ball quite well for us – there were some good positives for us.”
Jackett gave many of the starting eleven the full 90 minutes, ensuring they can start to try and develop as a unit ahead of the season with those on the fringes also set to be given opportunities to stake a claim.
“I wanted the lads tonight to play as long as possible,” he said.
“Iorfa and Hause have been back two weeks rather than three from the other lads so we brought them off.
“But for as many people as possible I wanted it to be 90 minutes or as close to that as we could.
“We want the team to develop, and it has settled down where we are.
“We have younger players coming in after quite an established and experienced Championship first team.
“We need to make sure we have back-up in the squad to cover and create competition wherever we can.”
Next up is the training camp in Ireland and Monday night’s friendly against Cork (7.45pm) where Jackett is set to give some of his younger players an opportunity.
“I intend to swap it around,” he explained.
“The lads that have gone right the way through won’t start in Ireland and the younger lads will get their chance.
“It will be an opportunity to stake their claim for the first team.
“As we go on to the week after it will be the Saturday game for the first team and then the Tuesday game will be a reverse.
“For those games I will be looking for people to play right the way through.
“It will be a good game in Cork., who will be keen to give their best against an English Championship side.”
