Wolves boss Gary O'Neil wants midfielder to improve his numbers

The 26-year-old had started every Premier League game this season until he was dropped against Brentford last time out.

He has managed one goal and one assist in the top flight so far this campaign and after a disappointing first season last year, O'Neil has faith that Bellegarde will come good if he can boost his statistics.

"That was the chat I had with him at the end of last season, that I saw him being important for us this season," O'Neil said.

"We knew that Pedro (Neto) might leave and it may open things up more for him, and he needed to stay injury free and in a good spot.

"He does have qualities that can help us, whether that be off the side of slightly narrower.

"He is versatile with the fact he can play off the left or the right.

"He's had a decent start but I want to keep pushing him for more goal involvements and more quality in the final third, but he's working very hard.

"The game has gone that way and you do need to be able to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.

"If you're below that, it's very difficult to make it up in other ways. You need to be extremely good at something else.

"So being at the physical level of the Premier League for the players is really important and he is."

Meanwhile, O'Neil has welcomed the new contract for goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who recently signed a new three-year deal with the option of a further year.

"I'm pleased because he was linked with moves away from here in the summer and we were keen to keep him," O'Neil said.

"He's very good at what he does and understands his role, while also pushing the ones ahead of him.

"I'm delighted that it was all agreed."

When asked if Bentley's new deal means Jose Sa will leave in January, O'Neil added: "No, I have no thoughts of January at the moment.

"The goalkeepers will continue to fight and see where they end up in the pecking order."