Express & Star

Wolves' Rajiv van La Parra spared blushes

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Promising front-man Rajiv van La Parra breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle after Wolves' 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

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The pacy Dutchman started in a striking role against the Owls for only the second time this season, having been primarily used as a winger by boss Kenny Jackett.

Van La Parra proved to be a constant threat to the Wednesday defence and had a goal harshly ruled out in the second-half for offside.

But the forward also missed two golden opportunities to put Jackett's side ahead in the second half and admitted Leon Clarke's 84th-minute winner came as a huge relief.

Van La Parra said: "I was very happy when that goal went in – I had two big chances to put us ahead and get the first goal so it was such a good feeling when Leon Clarke scored.

"I was disappointed with myself because I couldn't seem to win the game but Leon came on and did it.

"The other lads said to me I just have to keep my confidence, accept I will miss chances and do what I can to take the next one. That's what I will be working on going into the Brighton game."

Despite missing two chances, van La Parra produced a wonderful dinked finish following a through-ball by Bakary Sako for the goal that was ruled out for offside.

He said: "I thought I was onside when I got in. When Bakary gave the pass it came off a defender as well so if I wasn't offside from the first pass it couldn't be offside coming off their player."

Despite his misfortune, the 23-year-old was just pleased Wolves put an end to their run of five successive defeats.

He said: "It was very important for the team spirit to end that run of five games without a win.

"It has been really hard for us but to get the win has given us a lot of confidence, which is vital."