Wolves' Jordan Graham backed to get stronger
Kenny Jackett has backed Jordan Graham to go from strength to strength after the winger's first career league start.
The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes for League Two Oxford United, where he is currently on loan, in their 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
Graham had already earned rave reviews from U's boss Michael Appleton after an impressive start to his stay at the Kassam Stadium – with talk of an extension to his stay already in the air.
His form has not escaped Jackett, who is delighted at how the former Villa youngster is developing.
"We had been trying to get him some league experience all season and nobody would take him," said Jackett.
"We have been surprised at that, we really have.
"We thought he would do well but felt he needed to go and play some first-team football and get some games.
"We have a very good relationship with Oxford, I know the assistant manager very well and we are delighted with what they are doing for him.
"They have given him the platform and put him into their team. We are pleased about that."
Appleton has already suggested he would like to extend Graham's stay but with more than a fortnight to run on his original deal, Jackett insists there is plenty of time for that to be discussed.
In any case, the Wolves head coach admitted, should he maintain his form, the winger could soon be challenging for a first-team spot at Molineux. It's nice to have young prospects that people are talking about and just this season he's come on a lot, really improved with good performances in the U21s," said Jackett.
"He's almost outgrown them and is close to a first-team slot. If he can have a really good spell, get some league games, we've had plenty of players at 19 or 20 years old who've gone down to the lower leagues and come back to earn a place.
"It certainly is the way of the football world now for players to go out and get experience before coming back to their parent club. We're always watching closely. It's part of their development and life education and it'll be interesting to see how Jordan develops. We feel he can go from strength to strength."
