Kenny Jackett believes Joe Mason can be a key player for Wolves next season.
The striker, signed from Cardiff in January, has been in and out of the starting line-up since arriving with the Head Coach admitting he is looking for the right balance across the front line.
Mason notched an impressive goal at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and Jackett’s planning for next season includes getting the best out of the striker’s movement and eye for goal.
“Anyone that has the ability to score, and finish, like he does, I think you should consider how you go,” he says.
“He doesn’t need that many chances to score.
"And even in a quiet game he gets chances - that’s been a feature of his time at Wolves.
“And from our point of view this should be capitalised on.
“My overall feeling is he’s a 4-4-2 player, second striker, and needs some physical presence up there with him.
“Joe’s best ability is on the back line and getting in behind.
“He’s come in as a number 10 which has probably taken him away from the goalscoring areas and I don’t think necessarily suits his strengths.
“What he is, he’s very good at getting on and reading a flick. And his movement in behind defenders is very natural.
“He pulls away and without being, let’s say, obviously quick, he gets down the sides and in behind defenders well through timing and ability.
“He takes responsibility himself, he looks at himself, and he’s a good character and an honest lad.
“He wants to get stronger physically and go right up front as a number nine and score goals.
“Part of that if adding some physical side to him. I see that being his future.”
Jackett is hopeful of Nouha Dicko also being available from the start of the season, but has already suggested that another striker will be among the targets as he aims to reshape the squad.
“We have got a shortage of forwards, definitely,” he said.
“And I don’t think we’re blessed with natural left siders – I think we’re quite open down the left, certainly our distribution and our service and our chances created hasn’t really been there.
“If we’re looking after those two very big issues, maybe one experienced player to really pull things together would help.
“But obviously, as ever, it needs to be a good player.
“They’re the keys for me.”
