Full-backs are key to Wolves says Kenny Jackett
Wolves today prepared to welcome back Matt Doherty as Kenny Jackett declared his full-backs are his secret weapons.
Right-back Doherty, who has arguably been Wolves' best player this season, is set to be available for Saturday's FA Cup first round tie at Oldham after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
Jackett highlighted the importance of Doherty's role.
"It's fine; he's OK," he said of Doherty's injury. "When you come back from a hamstring injury, you need to have a good period of training.
"He's done probably three good days now so Saturday looks like a good bet.
"Full-backs going forward is a big part of modern-day football.
"If you can get good, athletic, attacking full-backs that can join in the attacks, it makes so much more of a difference."
Jackett also believes having an attacking threat from full-back takes the pressure off the wingers.
He was particularly impressed with the way captain Sam Ricketts attacked from right-back in the 2-0 win against Stevenage on Saturday.
"He did well because Luke Freeman is a big player for them and can produce some magic," Jackett said.
"So Sam did well defensively and he brought the ball out, as he does well.
"Wherever he plays in the back four, he has the ability to bring the ball out, and at times it's better served from the centre of defence.
"But from the right-back slot, he ran with the ball very well."
Jackett added: "Ideally, full-backs go forward and one central midfield player - or players - 'hold'.
"Sometimes the top sides have a back three of one holding midfielder and the two centre-halves, or some teams play with two holding midfielders and two centre-halves who generally don't go more than 15 yards apart from one another all game.
"That becomes your defensive unit centrally with the wide men being good enough athletically to go up and down."