Wolverhampton Wanderers

Kenny Jackett urges Carl Ikeme to win back starting spot after being dropped

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 17 August 2015

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett admits that he had to make a "big call" in leaving Carl Ikeme out of his starting lineup over the weekend.

Kenny Jackett has told Carl Ikeme that he must "work hard" in order to win back his place in the Wolverhampton Wanderers starting lineup.

The 29-year-old was dropped to the bench on Sunday afternoon as Wolves played out a 1-1 draw against Hull City.

Wanderers boss Jackett admitted afterwards that the decision, which saw loan keeper Emiliano Martinez given the nod, was purely down to footballing reasons.

Ikeme has now been urged to win back his place, having been omitted for the first time in three seasons.

"It's a big call," Jackett is quoted as saying by the Express & Star. "I'm very confident in both goalkeepers. Emi Martinez is a top-class goalkeeper.

"Carl Ikeme hasn't done a lot wrong but it's a football decision and one I felt confident in. Carl was disappointed.

"Since I've been here, which is just over two years now, he has been the number one when fit. He's got to really work hard to regain his place."

Wolves find themselves sitting in eighth place in the Championship table after picking up four points from their opening two fixtures.