Gary O'Neil backs Wolves man to make a big impact

Traore has also been behind Mario Lemina, Joao Gomes and Tommy Doyle in the pecking order, but O'Neil believes the midfielder will be important in the final 10 games this season and will improve in time for the next campaign.

"I've seen progression in him, definitely from an understanding point of view and a technical point of view," O'Neil said of Traore.

"It's been a difficult one for him because of the form of Mario and Joao and then the fact he was away for a while, it's made him play less than he probably would have done.

"But I see him playing an important part between now and the end of the season.

"Pre-season with us will benefit him massively. We've missed a lot of work on helping individuals because we haven't had that pre-season.

"The lads will benefit from that spell when the focus is only on getting better and not trying to get better when there's a big game coming.

"Bouba will be in a group that I think will really benefit from that work."

Traore has some improvements to make in possession and he has a tendency to be haphazard at times, but he does bring remarkable energy to midfield and an impressive ability to win the ball back.

As a former midfielder himself, O'Neil believes Traore has a 'big future' ahead of him in a Wolves shirt.

"I'm really excited by what he could be," O'Neil added.

"I've said it a few times and especially to my staff, in a few of his performances I was really impressed with him.

"Everyone knows his physical attributes and how quickly he can cover ground, how quickly he can press and the energy he brings.

"But some of his understanding and some of his stuff with the ball I've been really impressed with.

"We haven't got to see quite enough of it this year, so it's important we keep trying to use him and improve him.

"He has a big future because he's still very young."