Carl Ikeme told to fight for his Wolves place

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett claims goalkeeper Carl Ikeme must stay patient in the fight to regain his place at Wolves.

The head coach has played down fears the goalkeeper's international ambitions might tempt him away from Molineux.

Ikeme is due to return to training this week after his latest stint away with Nigeria, having made his debut for the Super Eagles earlier this year.

But the 29-year-old's international breakthrough has coincided with losing his place in the Wolves team to Emiliano Martinez, with the Arsenal loanee having started the last five league games.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeeper's in the Championship last season, Jackett is aware Ikeme would have no shortage of suitors should he seek a move elsewhere.

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But the Wolves chief insists Wolves have no intention of seeing him depart.

He said: " Carl is a very good goalkeeper but at the moment we are looking to build and add if we can. We are not looking to decrease the club.

"From us it is a case of head down, work for the club, work for Wolves and do our best to make sure the club is successful. Does he have to wait for his opportunity?

"Yes – and do well enough in training to keep the pressure on the other player, that is what football is all about.

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"Look at our midfield situation where suddenly Conor Coady gets a three-game suspension and opens the way for another partnership.

"That can happen at any time and you have to be ready and make sure when the opportunity comes, you are the one who gets selected and takes it."

Sutton Coldfield-born Ikeme featured in friendlies against Congo and Cameroon as he looks to establish himself as Nigeria's new No 1, following the retirement of long-time custodian Vincent Enyeama.