Scott Sellars was pleased with his side's penalty shootout victory over a strong Sunderland side at Molineux on Monday night.
The Checkatrade Trophy has given us the opportunity to play in really competitive games." Scott Sellars
Wolves were taken right to the wire by the Black Cats Under 21s team as the game was decided with Nicu Carnat's spot kick, the last of ten penalties taken in the shootout.
And Sellars believes Monday night's game, like all in the Checkatrade Trophy, have provided a good test for Wolves.
He said: “The Checkatrade Trophy has given us the opportunity to play in really competitive games.
"We started well in the first half and got the goal but I think Sunderland then took over the game for the rest of the first.
“We had a chat at half time, there were one or two things that we needed to do better.
“We did that in the second half and I thought that the second half was ours for almost all of the 45 minutes.
“Then to win, having missed early on, and then go on and see Harry save the last two was a great way to do it and I thought the lads thoroughly deserved it."
When asked if he believes that shootouts in competitions like these help build confidence amongst the players, Sellars replied: “Again it gives them something to really play under pressure.
“In my development time as a coach I’ve often queried whether they get enough of that.
“About two years ago we went to Germany and won a final on penalties with Harry saving a couple and we scored our five. I think it shows that they can cope with it.
“We tell them to take a deep breath, think about where you’re going to put it, don’t change your mind and hit it hard.
"I thought they did that and that our penalties were of a really good quality."
The Checkatrade Trophy has provided the young players with an opportunity to test themselves against league sides and showcase their abilities.
The Under 23s Coach said: “We’ve had four games in this competition and, from our point of view, they’ve all been very successful.
“I think from the gauge of recognising the talent that we’ve got I think it’s been brilliant, especially in the games against the league teams.
“Some of our lads have a great chance of making themselves a career, there were loads of scouts here tonight that will have heard about them and have come to watch them.
“Some of these lads are ready to go out on loan but I don’t think the gaffer wants any of them to go out at the moment – he wants the group to stay together which is obviously pleasing for me as a coach."
