David Davis can challenge for Wolves first-team spot

The 22-year-old ballwinner has failed to make the squad for the last three games.

Davis has been forced to kick his heels behind in-form duo Kevin McDonald and Jack Price, as well as Lee Evans and Dave Edwards in the midfield pecking order.

The last of his 17 league appearances came as a substitute for Edwards in the 2-0 win against Preston on January 11.

Wolves have only lost one of the League matches he's played, but the Smethwick-born enforcer hasn't made a League start in 14 since the 1-0 victory at Notts County on November 16.

But head coach Jackett believes Davis, who has made 60 appearances for Wolves since a Premier League debut against Blackburn in March 2012, will challenge again.

"If he can get his game right in terms of being a ballwinner and a competitor, he's a talent," said Jackett.

"He's got lots of power, his recovery is very good and he's mobile.

"So at his age and with those things, I wouldn't be giving up on him.

"His commitment was good enough and he played in quite a number of wins earlier this season, but he lost a bit of confidence on the ball and that saw him out of the team.

"But he's strong and competitive and I think he'll come back strong.

"I don't know when - the normal progress and path of a footballer isn't always smooth - but he's capable."

Jackett believes the surprise emergence of Price may act as a wake-up call to Davis, who has had three more seasons than his fellow academy graduate.

"Maybe that's the case, but he's definitely close to my thoughts and I'm working hard with him to make sure if he's called upon, he does it and he sets the task of keeping the shirt," said the boss.

"He's getting more of an idea of what I want, and a spell out will help him in the long run to put his experience back into his good form, which he's capable of.

"The next time he plays, he needs to get into a good run and show good form."

Jackett is reluctant to let Davis out on loan with a hectic period of eight games in 27 days coming up in March and the start of April.

"At present no, he won't going out on loan," said the boss.

"At the turn of the month all the games come thick and fast, and if possible, I want as big a squad as I possibly can."