Tongo Doumbia is last pick of Wolves' midfielders, says Kenny Jackett
Tongo Doumbia was today told he is 'last pick' of the Wolves midfielders as head coach Kenny Jackett honed his selection for the big kick-off at Preston on Saturday.
The Mali international, whose season-long loan from Rennes became a permanent £2.5m signing last November, failed to make the 19-man squad for Saturday's final friendly against Real Betis, which Wolves lost 3-2.
Jackett preferred David Davis and Lee Evans in central midfield, with Bjorn Sigurdarson operating at wide right for the first time this summer and Dave Edwards behind striker Leigh Griffiths.
Griffiths scored his fourth goal of pre-season to put Wolves 2-1 up after Richard Stearman headed them in front.
The Molineux chief admitted Doumbia is behind Davis, Evans, Edwards, Kevin Foley and Jack Price in the scramble for places in the middle of the park.
"I've started him twice in the previous two pre-season games and on Saturday I went for Evans – who I thought was excellent – David Davis and Dave Edwards," said Jackett.
"For the substitutes I went for Kevin Foley and Jack Price. Kevin has had a stop-start pre-season due to his ankle problems which he's over now.
"But there's no doubt he's an asset because he's a very good one-touch footballer and whichever position he plays and he gives 100 per cent.
"It very much depends on how Tongo does in training and how my team develops and what's needed for the match.
"Those midfield lads and putting Foley in the versatile category, are in pole position in terms of team selection."
Jackett believes Sigurdarson has the potential to fill the problem wide-right position, where he played on numerous occasions last season.
"He was a threat on Saturday," said the boss.
"He faded a little in the second half and we probably didn't use him well enough then, although he made a major contribution for Leigh Griffiths's goal. He showed good promise in that area and his strength and athleticism will be an asset for us wherever I use him."
Meanwhile, Jackett dismissed speculation that transfer-listed Jamie O'Hara played as a trialist for QPR in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Saturday after widespread rumours on the internet.
"Neither Kevin Thelwell nor myself know anything about that," he said.
"I haven't heard anything like that ever happen."
O'Hara would be in breach of contract if he was found to be playing for another club without Wolves' permission.
