Friendlies arranged to keep Wolves' fringe players fit
Wolves are to arrange in-house full-sided games to prevent the likes of outcast Jamie O'Hara from getting stale, it emerged today.
Neither O'Hara or Kevin Foley were scheduled to play in Monday's postponed Under-21s' game against Norwich.
Head coach Kenny Jackett opted to ignore O'Hara and planned to play untried Slovakian full-back Kristian Kostrna in central midfield again against the Canaries, before the match was called off due to a waterlogged pitch at AFC Telford.
But Jackett insisted £5m signing O'Hara will get action in 'top-up' 11-a-side matches at Compton – but only when the first team aren't playing in midweek.
"When we've got free midweeks we'll make sure we put on at least one 11-a-side in-house," said Jackett.
"That will cater for people who don't play, depending on the state of the pitch here.
"When we get to the Tuesday games that might be a bit more difficult, but with a free week you have the flexibility to do that."
Jackett stressed O'Hara will also be used in the Under-21s team, with four over-age players permitted.
"Jamie will carry on getting games in the Under-21s," he said.
"He's still training and there hasn't been any interest.
"It's a tough call and he's waiting for a break and for someone to take a chance and believe in him."
Jackett stressed Foley has been unlucky, with competition at its strongest at right-back, where Sam Ricketts, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Matt Doherty and probably Richard Stearman are all ahead of the 2008-09 Player of the Year.
"Kevin has looked really strong of late and it's as good as his ankle has been all season," said the boss.
"He's just unfortunate right-back is such a strong position for us.
"Sam Ricketts is playing well, Matt Doherty is back now and Ethan hasn't done a lot wrong when he's played."
O'Hara wasn't under consideration to play on Monday night.
"There was going to be an experienced look about the team," said Jackett.
"The couple that might have been considered were Kevin Foley and George Elokobi, but they've played plenty of games of late.
"Matt Doherty, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Lee Evans, Liam McAlinden, Kortney Hause and Kristian Kostrna were due to play."
