Paul Lambert believes Joe Mason could have a key role to play for Wolves having returned to fitness and has backed the striker to hit the goal trail.
Mason, who had been sidelined for over two months after double hernia surgery, notched the only goal of the game in Saturday’s local derby win against Aston Villa.
Lambert has been pleased with his impact, and has highlighted his intelligence and finishing ability as being vital to Wolves’ attack.
“I thought Joe started the game really well, for 30 minutes he was excellent,” says Lambert.
“Then he came off it a little bit and he came back on it for the second half.
“He’s not played many games so you expect that to happen.
“He’s a really intelligent footballer, a really good player and an excellent finisher.
“You watch him in training and he’s got a great knack of hitting the net.
“The Sheffield Wednesday chance that he had - he was unlucky later in the game when he hit the post.
“He always seems to get chances, Joe Mason, because of his movement and his intelligence.
“I think people find it hard to pick him up.
“It was a really good finish, he’s got to keep his head down on it. But his general game was excellent.”
Lambert also believes Mason has the versatility to be able to play across the positions in the front line.
“He’s a quiet lad but you can tell he’s a really intelligent player, which you need to play that 10 role,” the Head Coach explained.
“Him and Bright (Enobakhare) are really clever.
“I certainly don’t worry about Joe Mason’s finishing in a one-v-one situation.
“I’m delighted for him that he scored.
“He can play a number of positions, I played him in the 10 on Saturday and I started him in the left at Stoke. He can play anywhere across that front area.
“You’ve got to be cute enough to find the holes behind midfield.”
Lambert believes the squad still remains unbalanced but is pleased with the attacking options at his disposal.
"Attacking wise we do look really good," he says, amid the confidence that Nouha Dicko will also be back among the goals soon.
“The goals will come for Nouha. But I look at his game and there’s more to him than just goals.
“He’s an absolute threat with his speed. And you ask any player, they don’t want to play against speed.
“It’s the most potent thing you can have.
“I’m delighted with his general game and the goals will come.”
