Wolves announce youthful Cork squad

Wolves' youngsters have been challenged to take advantage of a depleted first-team squad and stake a claim for the new season.

Highly-rated teenager Niall Ennis, who only recently turned 17, is among several untried academy graduates who will travel to Cork on Sunday for a six-day pre-season trip.

Kenny Jackett has this morning named a 25-man squad to take to Ireland.

Goalkeeper Jon Flatt, defenders Hakeem Odoffin, Aaron Hayden, Connor Johnson, Ryan Leak and Ben O'Hanlon, midfielder Connor Ronan and striker Donovan Wilson are all in the touring group.

None have yet made their first-team bow for the club.

In total eight teenagers and nine academy/under-21 players who have yet to make their first team debuts for the club will travel. It's a squad with an average age of 22 (or just 21 for the outfield players).

With injuries to several senior players – and transfers on hold owing to the ongoing takeover situation – the young starlets have a chance to impress, both in Cork and in tonight's friendly at Crewe Alexandra.

Ethan Ebanks-Landell will miss the Ireland trip as he is suffering some irritation around the screw which was fitted into his broken foot.

But Kevin McDonald is scheduled to travel, with him and Fulham believed to be struggling to agree personal terms ahead of a mooted move to Craven Cottage.

Up front is where Wolves look particularly short, with Joe Mason the only established senior player available.

And Jackett said of teenage trio Ennis, Wilson and Bright Enobakhare: "They can all stake a claim.

"If they can give players like Danny Batth and Matt Doherty problems in training, that's a good sign.

"They then need to be doing well in these games, against Crewe etc, against recognised league players to be able to justify and push their way into the squad."

England Under-17 star Ennis was courted by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea last season before signing professional terms at Molineux.

Jackett said the 'outstanding' youngster would have been in with a shot of a first-team debut last season had he not suffered a fractured fibula in January.

"He's had pre-season with us and it'll be interesting to see how he plays," Jackett told the Express & Star.

"It's a step up for Niall. He was injured at the back end of last season and would have been in and around the first team at that particular time.

"Of his age group, and people have to realise he's only just turned 17, he is a very good player and his England recognition proves that.

"When you see him play for England you realise for his age he is an outstanding player.

"Transferring that into first team football is his and our responsibility now, and our challenge, and he's not anywhere near that yet.

"Niall isn't necessarily ready for the Championship now.

"But it's fair to say his performances for England have been very good. That transfer between there and the first team is his next stage."

Jackett plans to give his first-team players the first 60 or 70 minutes at Crewe tonight.

He said of the Gresty Road encounter: "Crewe's pitch will be very good and we're looking forward to the game.

"We want to give a good account of ourselves and give the players every chance of building some confidence.

"If we're looking at the Shrewsbury game (last weekend), James Henry is 27 years old and everyone else was between 21 and 25, of the outfield players.

"It's an excellent age – all of them should get better, stronger and more confident as they go."

WOLVES' SQUAD FOR CORK

Goalkeepers

Carl Ikeme, Andy Lonergan, Jon Flatt

Defenders

Danny Batth, Dominic Iorfa, Kortney Hause, Matt Doherty, Hakeem Odoffin, Aaron Hayden, Ryan Leak, Connor Johnson, Ben O'Hanlon

Midfielders

Jed Wallace, Jack Price, Lee Evans, George Saville, Kevin McDonald, Conor Coady, Connor Ronan, Nathan Byrne, James Henry

Forwards

Joe Mason, Bright Enobakhare, Niall Ennis, Donovan Wilson

Currently unavailable

Nouha Dicko (minor surgery to remove staple from knee, due to return next month)

Mike Williamson (currently sitting out training as recovery from tendon problem continues, will miss the start of the season)

Ethan Ebanks-Landell (irritation in foot caused by screw inserted when he broke it in March, return date unknown)

Jordan Graham (undergoing rehabilitation for cruciate knee ligament injury, return date October-December)

Michal Zyro (undergoing rehabilitation for cruciate knee ligament injury, return date April)

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