Loan ranger Liam McAlinden to head back in January

Striker Liam McAlinden is unlikely to return to Shrewsbury after his loan spell expires in January – with Wolves boss Kenny Jackett frustrated at his lack of game time.

McAlinden has started just one league match since moving to the Greenhous Meadow at the start of the season.

And with the 22-year-old out of contract at Molineux next summer, the last thing the Cannock-born frontman needs is to be sitting on the bench.

With one goal in eight appearances in all competitions the spell is proving far less fruitful than McAlinden's previous Salop loan, when he scored three in five starts back in 2013.

And Jackett said of the current lack of games: "It is a concern.

"Myself and Kevin Thelwell have spoken to Shrewsbury – it's a frustrating situation for us but Liam has got to earn that place in that team.

"He's been substitute on a regular basis without getting on the pitch.

"It's his job to change the manager's mind and get in the team.

"It's an important few months and a big time for him, he'll be frustrated not playing. He's got time between now and Christmas and he's got to keep fighting."

A move to another League One club seems the most likely scenario for McAlinden in January.

He had two spells at Fleetwood in League One last season, scoring four goals in 19 games, 10 of those starts.

At Wolves his stand-out moment was undoubtedly when scoring the winner in front of 9,000 delirious away fans in a famous 1-0 win at MK Dons during the League One title triumph.

Might he have a chance of playing a role in Jackett's Championship squad when the Shrewsbury loan ends?

"We'll see," Jackett added. "We'll be looking again and assessing our options – there's no reason why he wouldn't be considered if he's a Wolves player in the second half of the season.

"Bjorn Sigurdarson will need a bit of time but around that time should be hitting full fitness really and be an option in a hard area to fill. i.e Championship centre forwards.

"At Shrewsbury, Liam has to keep going and earn a place, train hard and when the opportunity comes make sure he's first in the queue."