Young Wolves duo Jon Flatt and Sylvain Deslandes have been breakthroughs in different ways in recent weeks – and Kenny Jackett sees plenty of potential in both.
Goalkeeper Flatt, 21. made 11 loan appearances with Cheltenham Town and helped them to the National League title in a hugely successful loan spell.
Meanwhile 19-year-old defender Deslandes followed up a couple of Capital One Cup appearances earlier in the season by making his league bow for Wolves, the latest of his three Sky Bet Championship outings coming in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Loans elsewhere may be on the agenda for both players next season, but Wolves’ Head Coach certainly sees the ability to improve and make an impact with both.
"It's terrific for Jon Flatt at his age to go into that type of pressure situation, where you're at the top of the National League, and needed to keep it going,” says Jackett.
"He kept his place, which is credit to him, and then they finished off strongly as champions which is terrific.
"It's been very good for him and is good for the future.
"It's tough for young players to get the experience they need.
"It's very easy for them to go two or three years maybe in an under-21 squad, work hard and do everything they can – but sometimes getting that chance or an opportunity is a big thing for your career.
"And I would suggest for Jon that's a vital one.
"For next year, whether he comes back here or goes back out on loan, people would trust him again, because he's been a regular first team player.
"If he can get out into the league next year and be a number one, and then start building up his game, aged 20 or 21 as a goalkeeper you can only improve."
Jackett has told Deslandes he needs further improvement to become a regular at the Championship level, but is confident he has the ability to do so.
“Sylvain hasn’t done badly at all,” he says.
"There's potential for the future.
“I don't think he's of a Championship standard yet – and I've told him that.
"But I think he can work towards it, he's a good enough player to do that.
"He's a very good character and has a terrific work ethic, and that will stand him in good stead.
"But there has to be a reality to it as well.
“I don't think he's a Championship-standard left-back yet but he can aspire towards that and work towards that, definitely."
Jackett also says whether Deslandes remains at Wolves next season or furthers his development on loan will probably depend on the strength of the squad.
"It does depend how strong our squad can get,” he says.
"Playing games is going to be important for him.
"Should he be the left back in our first XI? No I don't think so.
"I think we need to be stronger than that – and again, I've told him this.
"Perhaps playing games (on loan) will be the best bet.
"But I do feel he's a good left back for his age and has a good future for Wolves."
