Scott Golbourne ready to make amends

Wolves fall guy Scott Golbourne was backed by boss Kenny Jackett to start against Middlesbrough.

Golbourne's mistake led to Demarai Gray's winner at Birmingham in Saturday's 2-1 defeat.

But Jackett has no qualms about throwing the 27-year-old left-back in at the Riverside this evening as Wolves try to stop promotion rivals Boro making it six straight home wins and try to claw their way back into the top six.

Asked if he will start the former Barnsley man tonight, Jackett said: "Yes I've got no doubts about Scott Golbourne whatsoever and his professionalism, his character and also his experience are all good.

"Yes I am very confident. He's an excellent professional and been a very good player both for Wolves and myself since he's been here. He's made a really big contribution and we're pleased to have him back and playing at left back.

"It's not something he'll dwell on; he will learn from it and tonight he will be ready to go again."

Meanwhile, Jackett now admits automatic promotion has all but gone for Wolves. The Molineux men go into tonight's game trailing second-placed Norwich by eight points with 12 to play for.

Eighth-placed Wolves are outside the top six on goal difference with Ipswich in sixth hosting Cardiff and same points Brentford in seventh at Sheffield Wednesday, while Derby, a point above, entertain relegated Blackpool.

"Looking at the top four sides now it's tough, not impossible, but it's seven points to fourth with the superior goal difference so seven to eight points," said the boss.

Jackett added: "Making the top four looks tough, but fifth and sixth seems open to four clubs where there's only one point between those four clubs."

Meanwhile on-loan striker Leon Clarke could be on his way back to Molineux as Wigan explore other options. However Clarke will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the season.