Kenny Jackett backs Benik Afobe to step up

Boss Kenny Jackett insists Wolves' £2million new-boy Benik Afobe is ready to continue his scoring exploits in the Championship.

The former Arsenal striker's debut strike in Saturday's 2-0 win against Blackpool was his 20th of the season after 19 in 30 games on loan at League One side Milton Keynes Dons.

And the head coach is convinced the 21-year-old is ready to carry on filling his boots after taking his tally to 20 for the season.

Jackett said: "That's the aim definitely. I've managed him before and although he was very young then, we're convinced about him.

"He's always scored goals and always got himself into scoring positions to be able to do that. Someone playing in his position, similar to Nouha Dicko, their confidence comes from scoring goals.

"He'll be desperate to do that. Is he capable of scoring goals in the Championship? Yes I think he is."

Afobe insists every goal is a bonus after admitting he is five ahead of schedule already.

But the bubbly forward isn't ready to start resting on his laurels, despite being well ahead of his aim for the season.

He said: "I've never set myself a personal target but if you'd said to me I was going to score 15 goals this season, I would've taken that.

"I'd never got more than 10 before and there's more to come from me and the team. To get 20 is fantastic."

Afobe wants to prove the doubters wrong too, with people doubting him in the Championship after modest spells goals-wise on loan at Bolton, Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday.

He said: "I know there are people who believe in me too, so I want to keep proving people right as well," he said.

Jackett is weighing up whether to start with Afobe for Saturday's visit of Charlton.

The Wolves chief said: "Is he ready to come off the bench or is he ready to start? They're the decisions. For a lot of the time on Saturday, I was wondering where the break-through was going to come from.

"It did change when Afobe came on – we looked more potent and it seemed to step up a gear."

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