Express & Star

Wolves' Phil Ofosu-Ayeh still some way off first team action

Injury victim Phil Ofosu-Ayeh is still not close to featuring in Wolves' first team, Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed.

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The right back has yet to feature since moving from German side Eintracht Braunschweig on a free transfer last summer.

There were hopes he could feature early this year but Nuno said yesterday that the 26-year-old isn't yet training with his first team squad.

"He's not working with us yet," Nuno said.

"He's still getting better and solving all the problems that he has – he's not 100 per cent with the group.

"Of course (he is some way off). We cannot forget that Phil since the beginning of the season has been injured so it will take time to integrate the dynamic of training sessions."

His injury absence may force Wolves into the transfer market for a right wing back this month.

Recalling Dominic Iorfa or Jordan Graham from Ipswich or Fulham respectively are other options available to the boss.

Jack Price left for Colorado Rapids after 18 years at Wolves this week and Nuno paid tribute to the outgoing midfielder.

"Jack was with us from day one, he was a player that was very important for us – being so many years in the club he has all the things and he was a pleasure to work with," the head coach said.

"He helped us a lot and he goes forward with his career, we wish him all the best.

"He knows he'll always be respected here for all the years of dedication he put in the club."

Wolves are expected to move on Michal Zyro and Ben Marshall this month. Nuno said Wolves were working on outgoings and were relaxed about making signings.

"Things are going to take care (of themselves)," he added. "Individual situations, we are on it and working on it.

"We are pleased with the squad, the transfer market is there."

Wolves today travel to Barnsley looking to extend their 12-game unbeaten run against a team that pushed them all the way at Molineux, with Alfred N'Diaye's last-gasp winner earning Wolves three points.

Nuno praised opposition boss Paul Heckingbottom for the job he's doing with the Tykes and said even though Wolves are 12 points clear at the top of the table they still have improvements to make.

He said: "I think we are still have a lot of work to be done, a lot of days and games, and each day is a day of hard work. We go step by step.

"We think we have to improve and work a lot.

"It's not about the players, it's about the team, helping the team and staying humble.

"When we are in this position we have to respect and know that teams are going to fight and try as hard as they can against you.

"It was a tough game (against Barnsley in September), I think we were fortunate we were able to score in the end, it was an important three points.

"Barnsley is a good team and Paul is doing a good job, he's one of the managers I think really works well.

"We have to be ready for it – and we are."