Wolves' Liam McAlinden can push for first-team place
Liam McAlinden has been primed as the next rookie striker to pin down a first-team place in the changing face of Kenny Jackett's Wolves.
The Cannock-born 20-year-old has seen a path to a starting role cleared by the departure of fellow youngster Jake Cassidy to Tranmere for another loan spell.
Jackett is clearly intent on more changes to his forward line before the January transfer window closes, with speculation continuing about at least one new signing as doubts persist about the futures of Leigh Griffiths, Kevin Doyle and Bjorn Sigurdarson.
But in the thick of all the transfer talk, the Wolves head coach has made it clear that McAlinden will be the next 'cab off the rank'.
"These things can constantly change but I did think coming off the bench he's done well and shown some pace," says Jackett.
"He's quick and you can see defenders are aware of him and aware if they get side-to-side he might run away from them.
"He's got the knack of finishing when he gets in on goal. I've been pleased with his development and it will be interesting now to see if he can finish this season off strongly and put his name in the frame for the first team."
Those comments put McAlinden in the frame for major involvement in Saturday's return to action against Bristol City at Molineux while senior colleagues ponder their Molineux careers.
Jackett, meanwhile, has repeated he has had no bids for his players.
"It's been very quiet with all of them,"he said.
