Sam Ricketts takes on coaching role at Wolves

Boss Kenny Jackett has promoted the 33-year-old club captain undertake daily and matchday coaching duties to pass on his vast experience to his younger team-mates.

"In the last few weeks he's been doing some coaching, both on a matchday and in the week," said head coach Jackett.

"In particular he can help the defenders. He's got 50 international caps, he's played in the Premier League, he's played in every division of the Football League and he's played in all four defensive positions.

"So there's a lot for him to contribute, in particular to the defenders and the younger defenders.

"He's been helping out and getting involved in the coaching, learning it himself.

"On a matchday, being around the group, we feel he's a very positive influence.

"He's still training every day as a player and he's certainly enjoying what he's doing.

"If you take this morning, the first-team group worked with Tony Daley (fitness coach) jogging and stretching and the rest of the players had an 11-a-side – the lads that have been substitutes and a selection of the Under-21s.

"Sam played in that. It's been full training, full fitness and then after and around it I'm open to his input.

"He has a lot of knowledge and there's a lot he can bring in terms of his experience.

"Also the players are hearing it from somebody who's recently been there and done it - not just in his Wolves career but quite recently at international and Premier League level."

Ricketts is out of contract at the end of the season and the prospects of him winning a new deal appear slim after being exiled virtually all season.

Jackett said the Wales international isn't doing his coaching badges yet and stressed the situation will be addressed fully in the summer.

"He's not got any of them, so I don't know what his plans are," said the boss.

"Longer term, it's not something we've discussed.

"His involvement has been training with the first team and he's making a good contribution.

"But I'm sure we'll certainly talk about it at end of the season - his future and does he want to play, which I'm sure he will.

"Can he help us win on Saturday? That's the main thing."