Wolves’ forgotten man Jason Shackell admits he’s been in an unfamiliar place over the last few months.

Not that the near £1million signing feels alienated by his relatively new team-mates – far from it. In fact, several of his colleagues feel his frustration just as deeply.

It’s just that after four years of virtually unbroken regular football at Norwich, Shackell has found himself on the outside looking in. At the age of 25, that’s not an ideal scenario.

But the former Canaries skipper is hoping to take what he hopes is another big chance against Watford, with Neill Collins starting a two-match ban for his dismissal at Reading on Tuesday.

Shackell said: “It’s the first time in a few years I’ve been sitting out a lot. But this is a big club with a big squad and when the boys are doing well, there’s nothing I can say.

“If I do well, hopefully I’ll get a run of games because that’s the only way I’m going to be able to force my way in. That’s what I’ve got to do for myself but I just want to the boys to win.

“I haven’t started many games and it’s quite tough to keep yourself match-tough and match-sharp and to be ready when you’re not playing. The Preston game was a bit of a wake-up call for me to tell me I wasn’t quite right.

“So I had half a game in the reserves just before Middlesbrough and I went into that game feeling better, fitter and sharper. I thought I performed better and was fairly happy.

“I’ve played a couple of games recently – one not so good against Preston, and one where I performed a little bit better against Middlesbrough. I’m waiting for my next opportunity – whenever it may be.

“The aim is to string a few games together and hopefully I can do a good job. Fingers crossed, I might get an opportunity but you never know. He (boss Mick McCarthy) could always bring someone in and he’s still got Jody (Craddock).

“I’ll keep my head down and hopefully I can get the shout. I’ll be waiting and, if I do get the opportunity, I’ll make sure I’m ready to take it.”

Shackell has found patience is a virtue as he has been forced to wait for his chance. He admits the dressing room banter has helped keep him going.

He said: “I’m not the only one – there’s a big squad here and so quite a few boys not playing. But it’s a team game and we’re a squad and everyone is keeping everyone else on the ball.

“The main thing is the team is doing well and Wolves are winning games – it’s not about me as an individual or anyone else.

“We need to make sure we really push on so we finish the season strongly.”

Level-headed Shackell never expected to walk straight into the team, despite the fee and his higher profile at Carrow Road.

He said: “When I signed (in August), the boys were unbeaten and that run continued. It hasn’t really halted all the time I’ve been here.

“Being selfish I want to play games but I want the team to do well. I’m doing my bit in training and waiting, and trying to grab those opportunities when they come up.”

Shackell insists the healthy team spirit means there will never be any players wishing ill on another – just encouragement.

He said: “The lads all want each other to do well here – that’s one of the reasons the boys have done so well. Everyone gets on and they all want the best for each other.”

Shackell expressed his sympathy for Collins, who has been under the spotlight again after scoring an own goal at Reading on Tuesday night before his sending off.

The former Norwich defender said: “I felt for him and maybe it was a bit harsh. We’ve spoken and he’s frustrated.

“I’m not 100 per cent sure what he said, but you see it on TV with players having a go and, half the time, the ref will just calm the situation down and that’s the end of it.

“I feel for him, because I thought he did very well the other night. Even for the goal, the ball could have gone anywhere. You can go into depth about any goal – it’s never just one person’s fault.

“It’s normally a multitude of errors. Neill was just unfortunate in that he got his head to it and 99 times out of 100 that wouldn’t have looped up over Wayne.

“But Neill’s a good lad who will get his head down and be back before you know it.”

Wolves have gone five league games without a win but Shackell stressed the mood was hardly all doom and gloom.

He said: “We’re still two points clear,. It’s a fine line between getting the right result. We were very close to holding on at Bristol after a good performance and we had a good win against Birmingham in the FA Cup.

“It’s definitely not all doom and gloom – we’re all positive.”