Express & Star

Tommy Rowe targets Blues for Wolves return

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Tommy Rowe is set to hand Wolves a boost by returning to contention for the derby at Birmingham City next weekend.

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The former Peterborough captain has shaken off a knee ligament injury which briefly hampered his recovery from a broken foot that has kept him out since Boxing Day.

Boss Kenny Jackett said earlier this week Rowe would need a fortnight's training before returning to contention and his prediction looks to be right.

Asked if the utility man had a chance of being available for the trip to St. Andrew's, the head coach said: "Yes there is.

"He had a knee ligament injury that's kept him out so I would think now that Tommy will be training next Monday.

"I think Birmingham is a realistic target at the moment.

"Looking at him yesterday morning and the work he did, I think from now around about a 10-day period to be fit and available for selection is realistic.

"It's good to have a player of that calibre available and a left-footer as well which is always good and gives good balance to the squad and the team if selected.

"With Carl Ikeme and Rowe coming back in at different times, it gives us a good balance and nice atmosphere in our squad."

Meanwhile, Jackett insists automatic promotion is still the aim for Wolves.

Victory at Nottingham Forest this afternoon would put Wolves in the top six at least for a couple of hours, with two teams above them on 67 points, Ipswich and Derby at home to Bournemouth and Watford respectively, playing tonight.

Jackett believes with leaders Bournemouth and second-placed Watford eight and seven points ahead of them before play, the top two are still in sight.

"Yes I do and I think we should keep going for them, not close any doors for us mentally," he said.

"We have to keep our form right and identify what we've been doing well, and there's been a considerable amount of that.

"It's very close between the top eight. The opportunity is there for all of them.

"It's a really exciting race, and being in the top two or the top six after the game on May 2 is the priority.

"Whatever stage of the season it is we're trying to improve, and then focusing on the next game."