Kenny Jackett sets a 75-point target

Wolves go into today's lunchtime televised derby against Birmingham joint-top with 26 points from their first 14 games.

In the previous six seasons going back to when Wolves last won the Championship in 2008-09, the minimum total to win automatic promotion was runners-up Hull's tally of 79 in 2012-13.

The lowest tally of a team going up through the play-offs is Blackpool's 70 in 2009-10.

But head coach Jackett believes Wolves are on track with the required total of points needed this season likely to be lower because the division is so congested and competitive.

"We're in the 20s in terms of points now and it will need 75-plus to do anything, whoever you are," said Jackett.

"We're close to our target, we're competitive within the division and we're hard to beat.

"That tells you where we are and if we can continue to improve then that will be fantastic and has to be our aim. The points total is a big focus for me."

Meanwhile, Jackett has told Matt Doherty his chance will come at full international level despite seeing Hull's untried 20-year-old Brian Lenihan being selected ahead of him in Martin O'Neill's provisional squad for the forthcoming games against Scotland and the USA.

"They know the lad from Cork very well but Matt has to double his determination to try to get in," said Jackett.

"He's young enough and I'm sure they're aware of him and they will keep assessing him.

"He's been a good player for us. He's come back in pre-season fit and he's earned his place again and so far he's done very well for the first third of the season."

Ireland go to Celtic Park in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday, November 14, before hosting the USA in an Aviva Stadium friendly four days later.

The squad will be whittled down before meeting up on November 10.