Comment: Now is the time we find out Wolves' mettle

Nuno’s near two years at the Molineux helm have been wonderful, a thrilling experience for supporters young and old.

It is pretty much been all positive.

The Championship title was won in sensational style, and the return to the top flight has gone better than the vast majority expected – top-six sides falling at the feet of gold and black excellence.

But, make no mistake about it, last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Watford after extra-time in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley was devastating.

A crushing blow, turning elation into stunned silence.

Giving up a two-goal lead when it seemed the club’s name was on the trophy, given the immense run to the final four, is something that has affected the mood of supporters all week.

We have all found thoughts of what might have been – had Diogo Jota not been taken off, had Leander Dendoncker not got sucked into giving away a last-gasp penalty, had Ivan Cavaleiro not lost his footing after rounding the keeper in extra-time – difficult to shake off.

So, you just hope Nuno and the players are able to learn from the experience and see out the Premier League season how we all know they can.

Of course, losing is part and parcel of football – and Wolves are no strangers to a dip in form.

The run through October and November which included losses to Brighton, Huddersfield and Cardiff dented the confidence of players and supporters alike.

Had top-flight teams worked Wolves out?

Then becoming the victim of a Terriers double was quite tough to take, and there have been other disappointing results during the journey under Nuno, but nothing to this extent. The Hornets’ comeback victory was the first time Nuno’s Wolves have blown a two-goal cushion.

Was it the occasion that got the best of them?

Are fatigue and the small squad of just 16 senior outfield players catching up with them?

Or will it just prove to be a loss that, while vastly damaging to morale in the immediate aftermath, Wolves managed to recover from in relatively short order?

We are all keeping our fingers crossed for the third, and in order for that to happen, some stars could do with stepping up.

Gerard Deulofeu displayed the importance of having an impact player to bring off the bench – something Wolves have desperately lacked in recent times.

Cavaleiro, Adama Traore and Helder Costa have the attributes to hurt teams and make their mark as substitutes, but they have not been performing to their capabilities.

And as Wolves try to finish as high in the league table as possible, and perhaps get into Europe if Manchester City beat Watford in the Cup final, those three, in particular, have a point to prove.

Cavaleiro had developed a reputation as a fine finisher, but has missed key opportunities in each of the last three outings.

Traore, who was Wolves’ club record signing until a £32m deal was announced for Raul Jimenez last week, has shown flashes of brilliance with his exceptional speed but not a great deal of substance.

Costa, meanwhile, has largely been a bystander, and when he has got on has not been near the player he was when he first arrived at the club.

It would be a real shame to see Wolves’ campaign peter out over these next several weeks.

Nuno’s charges have the ability to put the Wembley woes behind them, so let’s see that shine through, alongside a vast amount of character.