Express & Star

Matt Doherty told he must wait for a Wolves return

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Matt Doherty was today cleared for a Wolves recall – but warned he is likely to have to wait for his chance again.

The 22-year-old right-back made his latest comeback from his third different hamstring injury this season in Monday’s 3-3 draw away to Blackburn in the Under-21s.

Doherty played a planned hour and came through without reaction after missing the last four first-team games following his withdrawal towards the end of the 2-0 win at Sheffield United on March 22 with a hamstring problem on the opposite leg.

That was his first start since November 23 when he aggravated a separate hamstring injury first sustained in the 2-0 win against Oldham on October 22.

Now he’s fully fit again however and ready to challenge Sam Ricketts for the right-back slot he thrived in earlier this season.

“Matt Doherty’s fine – he’s got no problems at all,” said head coach Kenny Jackett.

“He played in the Under-21s away to Blackburn on Monday night and he was OK.

“I took him off after 60 minutes, which was pre-arranged.

“Hopefully we’ll go with the same squad on Saturday, and if there’s the possibility of both Doherty and James Henry, that would be great.”

But, asked if Doherty’s best hope of figuring was from the bench, Jackett said: “I would think so, yes.”

But Jackett remains cautious on Henry’s chances of being fully fit for Saturday’s trip to Crewe despite the winger saying yesterday he is hopeful of being available after a minor groin injury kept him out of Saturday’s 2-0 win against Peterborough.

“We’ll see later in the week – I’d think it won’t be until Friday morning until he’s fit and available for Saturday,” said Jackett.

“There will be some sort of fitness test on Thursday, so by Thursday afternoon we’ll have a better idea.

“I think the decision will be made on Friday.”