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Kenny Jackett praises Wolves debutants

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Kenny Jackett led the praise for his two Wolves debutants Dominic Iorfa and Eusebio Bancessi after they maintained their unbeaten record in pre-season.

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Powerful centre-back Iorfa was a strong presence as an unfamiliar Wolves kept their second successive clean sheet in the 1-0 win at Oxford when Leon Clarke grabbed the only goal.

Winger Bancessi, who was making his first start and set up the goal, looked confident on the ball in a game where Stephen Ward was a surprise starter as the head coach looked to balance the team out with more experience.

"It was interesting – Eusebio showed a few touches of class in the first 35-40 minutes, which he's got," said Jackett.

"He's got to develop into where we can trust him to where he can play in the league.

"But he's got some class and he showed a couple of bits and pieces.

"I felt Iorfa did well and he did OK at Shrewsbury last season, albeit at right wing back.

"He's strong and competitive and capable of playing in the league and looking at that against Oxford, there's nothing to make me change my mind."

Jackett was also pleased with the performance in a highly competitive workout.

"It was a good game and very competitive for a pre-season game and good for our lads to go to a League ground," he said.

"If we went there in a few weeks in a cup game, it would be a hard tie and it was a tough game.

"I was pleased with the win and the clean sheet and we certainly didn't have things all our own way, particularly in the second half when Oxford put the ball into our box a lot.

"Our young centre halves dealt with it very well, and Aaron McCarey at the right time came and took some good crosses.

"Our co-ordination of our passing could be better and there are things we could work on and improve.

"But for all of our lads it was a good exercise for them.

"They looked like they needed games and need to keep going, but although they were a bit out on their feet at the end, I didn't want to take anyone off barring Eusebio because I felt they needed to go through that to get their match fitness.

Jackett was also pleased to see Clarke continue his scoring run.

"He took the goal very well and he played well in what has been a bright pre-season," said the boss.

"He's got goals and has looked a physical presence as well."