Wolves boss Kenny Jackett: Inside job to replace Danny Batth

Wolves today pledged their faith in youth to replace captain Danny Batth after dismissing suggestions of entering the transfer market for a defender.

Batth is out for three months with a stress fracture to the inside of his left foot and won't be available until the early part of next season.

Starting with today's trip to Wigan, boss Kenny Jackett identified three ways of replacing the skipper yesterday.

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Either Ethan Ebanks-Landell would be a straight replacement, Dominic Iorfa would switch to centre-back from right-back or Kortney Hause would come into the left side of the defence to allow Richard Stearman to switch to the right.

Wolves tried to sign Harry Maguire last summer before Stearman committed to a new contract, but the head coach said the absence of Batth would not impact on their summer transfer plans.

"In terms of our recruitment team and the work that goes on there, I don't think that's the case," said the boss.

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"We have confidence in the young players to come in and that they will develop, thrive and give that type of competition to the team which keeps it improving.

"That's what they're there for and why they've developed, so when an opportunity like this comes around, they can go into the team. They're good options and players that can improve and handle Championship football."

Jackett however left the door ajar in case the homegrown replacements fail to come up to scratch.

"It also very much depends on what happens in the time Danny is out and how they play," he admitted.

"Whatever day we finally start again next season, everybody will be equal with their front foot on the line and the best 11 will play six weeks later."

Sandwell-born Landell is now 22 and replaced Stearman in October and November to figure in 12 of his 19 League appearances for Wolves.

Iorfa and Hause started their careers as central defenders but have yet to play there in Wolves' first-team.

"Over the last two years I've been consistently selecting Batth and Stearman," added Jackett.

"Landell probably played the most games in central defence before he came out of the side with a hamstring injury."

One player who won't be considered is club captain Sam Ricketts, who is finishing his Wolves contract out on loan at League One Swindon.

"He's on an emergency loan and it hasn't passed the 28 days," said Jackett.

"But no, I don't see him in the centre-half position for us."