Dave Jones believes Karl Henry’s new contract is well-deserved after hailing his fellow midfielder Wolves’ best player last season.

Jones played alongside Henry for the majority of the Championship-winning campaign in the midfield engine room.

And the former Derby man reckons Henry’s contribution – he played 43 League games last season – was the most important of anyone’s as Mick McCarthy’s side won promotion to the Premier League.

“He deserves a lot of credit for the success of the team,” said Jones. “For me, he was our player of the season because he holds everything together.”

Playmaker Jones appreciates anchorman Henry’s contribution arguably more than anyone as their games complement each other, while Henry’s defensive qualities allow his team-mate to play his more expansive game.

“He provides a barrier in front of the defence, and he gives me license to get on the ball and get forwards,” said Jones.

“Karl played almost every game last season and he’s vastly under-rated – I don’t think people appreciate what he does as much as they should because every team needs those players.

“He gets everywhere and you know exactly what you’re going to get from Karl . I played alongside him in central midfield for most of the season and I think we’ve formed a good partnership in the middle of the park.”