Wayne Hennessey is No 1 at Wolves
Wayne Hennessey has been told he has reclaimed the Wolves goalkeeping spot on a long-term basis as reward for 'growing up.'
[yahoo_player video_id="23236610"]
Wayne Hennessey has been told he has reclaimed the Wolves goalkeeping spot on a long-term basis as reward for 'growing up.'
The Wales international was recalled for Saturday's much-needed 3-2 win over Sunderland – his first Premier League game in a year as Marcus Hahnemann was benched.
Hahnemann paid the price for being at fault for Blackpool's second goal in the 2-1 defeat nine days ago, while he missed several crosses against Arsenal and got lucky in the 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Boss Mick McCarthy revealed he now intends sticking with 23-year-old Hennessey, who signed a five-year deal in the summer, for the long haul.
The manager said: "I'll be sticking with him. I wouldn't have changed it again anyway but on his performance on Saturday, it would be ridiculous to do so because he made some really good saves.
"I wouldn't have just put him in for one game and change it again if he made one mistake, because that would be grossly unfair. He's got to be given another chance.
"He was our No 1 – the best – but he had a tough time and Marcus came in. We haven't had a clean sheet and we haven't won games so I decided to change it.
"I think my decision was justified because Wayne played very well."
McCarthy revealed Hennessey has matured in his year-long exile from the team.
The Wolves boss said: "Wayne is a different character to what he was 12 months ago.
"He's far more mature andaccepted the fact he wasn't in the team, he supported Marcus and he's trained very well.
"If he hadn't, he wouldn't be in the team. He's grown up, and he's a different player now.
"I just thought it was time to give Wayne a chance."
The manager insisted 38-year-old Hahnemann, whose contract expires this summer, had taken the decision well.
He said: "There was no problem with Marcus – he was terrific and he's supported Wayne.
"It's a tough decision to leave anyone out, because no one ever plays below their general standard on purpose.
"Marcus has been brilliant and was a terrific influence for us last season.
"I was hoping for a clean sheet and we didn't get it but he made some good saves."
