Ismail must earn the right to play for Wolves
Zeli Ismail was today told he is in Wolves' squad for keeps – but must earn the right to win a new contract.
The 18-year-old winger made his debut as a late substitute in Tuesday's 6-0 Capital One Cup defeat at Chelsea after being tipped as one of Wolves' bright young things since coming to attention in the academy.
Manager Stale Solbakken has brought the former England youth international into the senior training group to see if he has what it takes to step up to the first team.
Solbakken insists Ismail will get opportunities to play, but said he must make the right decisions on the pitch.
"He's got a little bit of a way to go but he has the skills to put defenders on the back foot," said the Wolves boss.
"He has the ability to change direction and go both ways at quite a high tempo, which is good.
"But he has to make the right decision, such as when to pass, when to shoot and when to dribble and when to cross, and that's something we're working on every day.
"That comes down to playing reserve games and he's under consideration along with two or three others to at least play and train regularly with the first-team group, and take it step by step.
"We want to bring some youngsters into the squad to give them experience and him and Jack Price have done well along with a couple of others."
Talks are ongoing to extend Ismail's contract, which expires at the end of the season.
"He still has a year left but we can't force anyone to sign for us," said Solbakken.
"We'll try to prove he's one for the future for us but then he must show he's worth it.
"We'll try to make him a better player, and one solution for that is to let him train with the best team and that's what we'll continue to do."
