Wolves are to reward injured defender George Elokobi with a new long-term contract.

The Molineux board have approved in principle the idea of extending the Cameroon-born left-back’s deal, which expires in 18 months.

Despite his tender years, Elokobi – who turns 23 next Saturday – opted to sign a shorter two and a half year deal when he joined from Colchester 12 months ago.

Elokobi was highly impressive before his season ended with a cruciate knee ligament injury, just three games into the campaign at Ipswich on August 23. The club now want to secure his long term future.

Manager Mick McCarthy said: “We still want to do something for George in terms of a contract. We’ve discussed it and want to do something, but proper talks in depth haven’t really started.

“We do want to do something, because we think he can play.”

McCarthy is still trying to strengthen his squad this month and stressed he wants to get January out of the way before starting proper talks with Elokobi, who won’t be fit until next season.

The Wolves boss said: “There’s a pecking and chronological order of things, but we’re conscious of wanting to do something with George to sort his contract out.”

Stephen Ward has performed superbly as a replacement for Elokobi, with McCarthy hoping to have both vying for the left-back spot by pre-season.

The Molineux manager also revealed Elokobi, who is to have a week off soon to break up his intense rehabilitation, is slightly ahead of schedule in his bid to return to action.

He said: “George will be back next season. He’s maybe a little bit in advance of where he should be – he’s doing really well and working hard.

“I think he’s still on course for doing a bit of running in March.”