Sagbo's Wolves loan spell in jeopardy

Striker Yannick Sagbo's Wolves career is hanging in the balance after Kenny Jackett admitted he's not sure he can afford to play him.

The 26-year-old wasn't even in the 18 for Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Ipswich, despite the absence of Nouha Dicko through injury.

Sagbo is on a three-month loan from Hull City but has made just one start – when he was replaced – and three substitute's appearances and not looked match-fit.

Hull opted against recalling the Ivory Coast international after 28 days, even though Nikica Jelavic is injured. And Jackett admits he hasn't done anywhere near enough to earn more chances at Wolves.

The head coach said: "Really, by now that No 9 shirt should be his. I don't think he's made the impact I suggested he would do on loan.

"I've seen him play and make a much bigger impact than he has. His performances so far haven't earned him that. I don't think he's made the impact, but is he match-fit?

"Has he been effective? Certainly he'd be better with three or four games. But can I afford to give him those three or four games? That's the tough part."

Wolves have to contend without Dave Edwards, who has played in the No.10 role most of this season, after he suffered knee ligament damage at Portman Road.

It's not yet known how long Edwards will be out for, but he seems certain to be missing until after the international break.

Jackett preferred Leon Clarke as his lone frontman on Tuesday night but he rarely looked like scoring.

Liam McAlinden, who was recalled from his loan at Fleetwood last week with concerns about Dicko, came on as a 79th-minute substitute on Tuesday for Michael Jacobs – who himself was a replacement for Edwards.

Jackett said this week he is looking to shake his forward line up in January.

He wants a repeat of last winter when he shipped out Kevin Doyle, Leigh Griffiths, Bjorn Sigurdarson and Jake Cassidy and signed Clarke and Dicko, who ended up being the club's 13-goal top scorer in the league.

Doyle is unlikely to figure in Jackett's plans in January after just two substitute's appearances in the league for Crystal Palace.