Express & Star

Jake Cassidy backed to be Wolves' big man

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Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett today backed his hunch for Jake Cassidy to be the big man he wants to lead the attack.

moreThe Molineux boss is determined to persevere with 20-year-old Cassidy, who missed three chances after replacing first-half goalscorer Leigh Griffiths at half-time of last night's 2-0 cruise against Tranmere, and has now cautioned against any loan activity before tomorrow's 5pm deadline.

Victory took Wolves back to the top of League One, a point ahead of Leyton Orient, who drew 2-2 at Bristol City and eight clear of third-placed Preston.

Wolves, who are 11 league games unbeaten and have 10 clean sheets in the third tier so far, are also 11 points in front of this Saturday's opponents Peterborough, who dropped to fifth after their fifth straight league defeat, 3-2 at Brentford.

While happy at Wolves' points total, Jackett is striving for a more clinical edge and is determined to try to promote from within to help his side turn their overwhelming superiority into goals.

Cassidy has failed to score in his 19 appearances for Wolves, but was the League One's top scorer with 11 on loan at Tranmere at this stage last season.

"We've generally picked Kevin Doyle and Leigh Griffiths and they've been our best two players," said Jackett.

"But to have a big centre forward through the winter can be a good contribution so I wanted to give Jake 45 minutes.

"He's definitely worth persevering with – he's got a good future at Wolves and we need a big centre forward.

"Jake can do it – he's a handful, he has pace but he just needs that first goal.

"That will do his confidence the world of good and he'll get on a run because at this stage last season he was top scorer in this league for Tranmere.

"I wanted to put him against his old club because sometimes those things work.

"Unfortunately it didn't quite happen but it wasn't for the want of trying.

"His finishing is very good in training, and he has a good future.

"Griffiths looked a bit tired and he'd scored, but he'll be fresh for the weekend."

Of the prospect of loan signings, Jackett said: "It doesn't look like anything is going to happen in or out over the next 48 hours."