Ethan Ebanks-Landell back in Wolves mix

Boss Kenny Jackett today declared Wolves' patient unsung hero Ethan Ebanks-Landell could carve a name for himself in the future.

The 22-year-old defender returned to the starting line-up for the first time since he faced Nottingham Forest on November 22.

He came in for injured captain Danny Batth and produced a highly-effective performance in Saturday's 1-0 win at Wigan.

Jackett was always confident the Sandwell-born defender, who was making only his 20th League appearance for Wolves and 50th senior one overall, would impress.

The head coach said: "I've got a lot of belief in Ethan for the future and his performance didn't surprise me.

"Ethan played very well. And that won't surprise anybody inside the club – the players, the staff or myself.

"He's a very good player, but he's had to be patient with the form of Danny Batth and Richard Stearman.

"He's been unlucky not to play as many games as he'd maybe deserve because of those two."

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Ebanks-Landell and the back four had plenty of defending to do as Wigan launched a fierce onslaught to try to stay up.

But they kept them at bay and Jackett praised their determined defending.

He said: "We've had spells of being very good defensively when we've put our bodies on the line and it's been difficult to carve out chances against us.

"It's the bedrock of any good side and we want to base things on it."

Benik Afobe scored the only goal with his 13th in 20 matches since his £2m arrival from Arsenal and 32nd in total this season to continue to top the country's scoring charts.

And Jackett praised the 22-year-old's impact, saying: "He's had a fantastic season. He's also been a platform for us up front for others to play off and bringing others into play very well."

Jackett initially changed to a midfield diamond formation in Saturday's triumph, adding: "We have two very good players up front and are always a threat on the break.

"I felt with the narrow midfield that was how the game would pan out."