Express & Star

Wolves' Wayne Hennessey ready to step up return

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Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey was today declared ready for his first 90 minutes since his injury – as Jamie O'Hara's recovery lay in limbo.

moreThe Wales international is due to play a full game for Wolves Under-21s against Fulham at AFC Telford on Monday after sailing through a planned 45 minutes in the 3-2 reserves' win over Chelsea on Monday following his ruptured cruciate ligament in April.

"He should be able to play 90 minutes now," said boss Stale Solbakken. "I think he threw himself to the ground twice against Chelsea so he should be able to make it four now!"

But the news is not so positive on O'Hara, with Solbakken admitting he could be at least another six weeks away from contention.

The £5m midfielder was ruled out for eight weeks after a third hernia operation at the end of August.

But O'Hara still hasn't trained outside as he continues his painstaking rehabilitation and Solbakken said he isn't sure when the former Tottenham man will be available.

"I don't know how far Jamie is away from fitness because he's still in the gym – he hasn't trained outside yet," said Solbakken.

Progress

"I can say six weeks or I can say Christmas – Jamie has been out for a long time, so it's going to take some time before he's 'football fit' as opposed to fit to run, which is the big difference for me."

Winger Razak Boukari is edging closer to fitness as he recovers from his hamstring injury.

"Razak was on the pitch yesterday with the physio and he's happy with his progress," said the boss.

Meanwhile, Solbakken admitted he had a bust-up which cost Dorus De Vries his place on the bench against Bolton on Tuesday.

As reported in later editions of last night's Express & Star, the pair exchanged words but the Dutchman was expected to be back on the bench today against Charlton.

De Vries could be loaned out when Hennessey is available.

"Wayne is coming back to full fitness now and it's probably something we have to take a look at," said the boss.