Kenny Jackett orders Kevin McDonald to keep up good work for Wolves
Kevin McDonald was today urged to take Wolves to the top with his passing game.
The playmaking Scot has been Wolves' best outfield player in his two starts so far against Port Vale and Walsall to suggest his cut-price £250,000 arrival from Sheffield United will prove a bargain.
And head coach Kenny Jackett believes the 24-year-old midfielder can continue to make a major difference.
"He's got to keep driving on and giving us another dimension at times in the way he can carry the ball in the middle of midfield," said Jackett.
"He has to maintain those standards and take responsibility to make the side as good as it possibly can be.
"He's a talented player and I've been pleased with his contribution so far.
"It's early days for him, and, like all of the players, he's had a bright start to his Wolves career but he needs to maintain his standards going forward."
Jackett stressed the importance of sharing the creative workload.
"Teams may try to stop Kevin playing but we want to have a high number of good players and not be reliant on one," said the boss.
McDonald's influence is going to be needed as Jackett pinpoints the next four games as crucial in Wolves' season.
After Saturday's visit of Swindon, it's Walsall at home on Tuesday before another derby, at Shrewsbury, the Saturday after, followed by the visit of big guns Sheffield United to round off a high profile month in League One on September 28.
Jackett declared: "This is a crucial four games for us and we want to get as many points as possible from them."
Wolves return are looking to continue the fine start that has brought them13 points from a possible 15.
And the head coach is anxious that players maintain their form.
"If we drop our standards, even by five per cent, that could be the difference between winning and losing, because the only comfortable game we've had so far has been Gillingham," said Jackett.
"Every other match has been tight and competitive and the opposition has pushed us all the way. We have to keep our standards high and make sure we get everything out of our players."
Jackett has also placed his entire squad on alert after stressing the importance of substitutions. "You need a strong bench and one that can make an impact," said Jackett.
