Express & Star

Leon Clarke assured of a future at Wolves

Striker Leon Clarke has been told he can still become a major player for Wolves after firing them to victory at Leeds United.

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Clarke's 85th minute goal at Elland Road made it back-to-back wins for Kenny Jackett's side, after he helped transform the game as a half-time substitute for Dave Edwards.

Wolves' 2-1 victory lifted them to joint top in the Championship but below leaders Derby and Watford on goal difference.

Wolverhampton-born Clarke scored only his second goal in 21 appearances since his return to his home-town club for £750,000 from Coventry City in January.

The striker has struggled for games because of head coach Jackett's preference for Nouha Dicko in the lone striker role.

But Jackett believes the much-travelled 29-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, can still play a big part in the club's future.

The Wolves boss said: "Leon can do very well for this season and he still has a very good future.

"He did very well on Saturday and gave us another dimension. Leon has the quality, the football brain and the experience and that's what we need at times in this role.

"He showed a lot of quality in terms of balls into him and retaining possession so we could get up the pitch.

"He's worked hard and he's had limited amount of chances because of what's been a settled side, injury and probably the form of Dave Edwards. "His link play was very good, he retained the ball very well and he got us up the pitch, and in terms of getting the winner, that will really help him.

"I also felt perseverance, fitness, and determination to keep passing the ball were important. This will help Leon.

"He changed the game with a bit of presence – his ball retention helped, and he brought wingers into play."

Bakary Sako should be fit for the Saturday lunch-time televised derby visit of Birmingham, after missing the game with a groin injury.

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