'Unbelievably brave' Wolves talent backed to improve

The defender has bagged three goals this season but has underwhelmed in recent weeks.

O'Neil was full of praise for the 23-year-old, but has highlighted some areas they are working with him on.

"He can play anywhere on the pitch with the quality that he has and we're working with him at the moment on his decision-making because he's unbelievably brave," O'Neil said.

"He takes the ball in some tight areas and he tries his best to look after it. Sometimes he slows the game down a bit which we've spoken to him about, trying to make the right call when we're out and when we need to go to the goal fast and when we're not and then you can take your time and we can rebuild.

"We're helping him with those moments and he's still a young lad. I know he's played a lot of games for Wolves and he's extremely talented, but there's still a lot of learning that he needs to do in his understanding of the game.

"I love Rayan, love what he gives, he's there every day, willing to work, brave as anybody with the ball.

"He makes some errors but none of them are through a lack of effort, a lack of togetherness or a lack of courage.

"I can help him with all of those, no problem."

Meanwhile, O'Neil insists Sam Johnstone will challenge Jose Sa for the number one shirt after losing his place.

He added: "When I said Sam was brought in to fight for the shirt with Jose, a lot of people probably thought 'yeah, not sure that's how it's going to go, it's probably going to be Sam and Jose's going to leave'.

"But when I say things I do actually mean them and Sam came in to fight with Jose.

"Jose has managed to up his level and it was a big clean sheet for him. I know he was delighted with it."