Wolves boss tells Jelle van Damme to shut it

Unsettled Jelle van Damme was today told to knuckle down at Wolves by frustrated boss Mick McCarthy.

Homesick van Damme's heavily pregnant wife has remained in Belgium with their other child and is due to give birth next month.

The 27-year-old was quoted in Belgium during the last international break as saying he wants to return to Anderlecht on loan when the transfer window opens in January.

But McCarthy has hit back, claiming the 27-year-old needs to focus on winning points with Wolves.

"Let me clear something up, there's no chance of any loan deals," said the boss.

"Jelle is a player with us and one of my squad of 25. He signed a four-year contract.

"No-one can go anywhere in October, November or December so every single member of the squad needs to knuckle down and win us some games - get us some points until the window opens.

"In some cases like with Greg Halford, they might go out to get some football.

"But otherwise it's January. And when we get there, one or two of them might want to go or I might want to change one or two around.

"That's when we can do it.

"In the meantime it's a case of shutting up and getting on with it."

Van Damme, who cost £2.5m, only signed for Wolves in June, ending a six-month long chase for his signature after protracted negotiations with Anderlecht.

His failure to settle is a major frustration when the team is struggling and McCarthy's summer signings have not had the desired impact for different reasons.

The player himself appears to have changed his mind about life in England. He said recently in Belgium: "The coach asked me — if you had the chance to return to Anderlecht, would you do it? I have answered, yes.

"If we conclude in January it won't work between Wolverhampton both sides could leave as good friends. My adjustment is difficult - not sporting but socially. I miss the life I had in Belgium."

Yet on July 17, he said: "I've settled in and found a house and am enjoying it.

"I'm getting to know the players and the people around the team and I'm very happy."