Nuno not concerned by Wolves squad size

Wolves didn't add anyone to their senior squad in January, with the permanent capture of Jonny Castro Otto their only signing of the window.

Fringe players Kortney Hause, Leo Bonatini and Dominic Iorfa were allowed to leave, meaning Wolves have just 16 outfield players with league experience in their ranks.

Nuno said: "I'm not concerned.

"We started (the season) with 18 players plus goalkeepers, now we have 16 plus goalkeepers and the under-23s.

"We're optimistic and glad that those being with us will have minutes, they're improving, and we totally trust them.

"It depends on the perspective that you want to work, not every club has the same idea.

"We started with 18, clearly Kortney and Leo didn't have the minutes during the first half of the season.

"This is the way we should go with a small squad and back-ups, giving every player the chance to have minutes because we believe this is the best way to improve and become better.

"When you have a small, balanced squad, you can work better. First of all everyone is involved in every squad list, a meeting can be a good training session.

"It's something I believe can work out, let's see."

Wolves were linked with several strikers in January. They came close to landing Villa loanee Tammy Abraham from Chelsea, while a move for Rubin Kazan forward Sardar Azmoun fell through some days before the transfer deadline, with Wolves not agreeing to Rubin's insistence on an obligation to buy after a prospective loan.

Nuno wouldn't talk about specific names, but said: "All the name and things and rumours, it's normal, we understand some of them are not true, some of them are just speculation.

"The January transfer window is very difficult to approach and since the beginning we've been saying the same things, we will only bring in an option who can improve us.

"We had profiles, it was not possible, we move on."

Spanish wing-back Otto joined from Atletico Madrid in a £15million deal.

Nuno was delighted to bring him in on a four-and-a-half year contract.

"We're very pleased with Jonny, since the beginning, the way he adapted himself, we're very pleased and we want and wish him to improve every day, this is the idea.

"I don't know if anyone else tried, what I know is he's a really good option for us, I'm glad he joined us on a long contract, he's happy here, he's with his family and he really adapted to the Premier League.

"He has to improve and go on.

"It's basic and very important when you bring a player from another country to adapt here.

"The best help he had is from his team mates, the way they embrace and help him.

"His family are here, I think they struggle with the cold! But that's part of life."

Everton are tomorrow's opponents at Goodison Park.

It's seventh versus eighth, but Nuno insists he isn't looking at the league table.

"Everton are very strong, good squad, very talented players, very good manager and a tough stadium to go, Goodison Park, the atmosphere is really tough for the opposing team.

"My approach is simple, I'm not going to tell about the table or the goals of other teams.

"Our goal is simple - game by game.

"We're pleased, I think we can improve, we have challenges in front of us."