Kenny Jackett: Ethan Ebanks-Landell has got what it takes
Ethan Ebanks-Landell has too many attributes not to be a top player for Wolves on a regular basis, Kenny Jackett believes.
The 23-year-old, who turns 24 next week, returned to the first team on Saturday after an absence of more than two months with a broken foot.
His timing was perfect – he returned to fitness at the same time Mike Williamson was recalled by Newcastle United.
And Ebanks-Landell looked right at home as he produced arguably his best performance of the season so far in the 2-1 victory over Rotherham.
Jackett has no doubts the centre-half will become a top player for Wolves.
"He staked his claim," Jackett said of the New York Stadium performance.
"We all know Ethan will come good at some stage on a regular basis. He's got too much. Too much power, too much pace, he's got a very good character and he can bring the ball out and pass as well.
"And where he was a threat on Saturday was the opposition box, he's got a goal or two in him.
"He has too many attributes not to come good at some stage."
Earlier in the season, Wolves consistently made defensive blunders, costing them valuable points.
But Danny Batth's return from injury and then Williamson's impact on loan contributed to them tightening up at the back.
Jackett hopes that Batth and Ebanks-Landell – both academy graduates – can now form a solid partnership for, injury permitting, the next five games ahead of Kortney Hause's return from injury and the January transfer window.
"Albeit, coming off the back now of his injury, Saturday will have done him the world of good and really helped his confidence playing next to Danny," Jackett added.
"Playing with Danny will help him. In terms of a partnership, they're quite close in age and both local lads.
"So an opportunity to play with Danny will be there and it would be great if that partnership settles down now and is as strong and powerful as it was on Saturday, because it needed to be.
"They're both come through the academy and it would be good if they formed a partnership.
"Ethan's very level, a very good character and ties in well with a lot of the main lads in the side."