Gary O'Neil issues challenge to Wolves star

Sa’s days at Molineux appeared to be numbered following the £10million signing of Sam Johnstone but injury and illness to the latter has allowed him a route back into the team.

The Portugal international has started the last five matches and O’Neil has been impressed with his response to being dropped earlier in the season. 

"There are discussions around places and sometimes that's the goalkeeper,” said O’Neil.

"I've been pleased with Jose. His response to Sam's arrival and being left out for a few weeks has been excellent. Hopefully that can continue.”

Sa, who has made 115 Premier League appearances since joining Wolves from Olympiacos in 2021, started the first two matches of the season before making way for Johnstone following the latter’s move from Palace.

The 31-year-old, who signed a contract through to 2027 just last season, was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia but ultimately remained at Molineux and stepped back in between the sticks when Johnstone missed last month’s 2-1 defeat through injury and has kept his place since.

Johnstone has been on the bench just once in that period and was again absent from the squad for Saturday’s 4-1 win at Fulham because of illness.

O’Neil plans to play whichever keeper is in best form, meaning the onus is on Sa to maintain his performance levels.

"Outfield positions you will look at who the game suits best, but less so with goalkeepers,” said the head coach.

"Generally it is who you feel is in the better form or who you feel best helps the group.

"There are some extreme circumstances where we think one is better than the other for the suited game, but it's not a position that I'd want to keep flipping. 

"If Jose is very strong from crosses, if we played a team that crossed it a lot, there could be an argument for going with Jose.

"Sam's maybe slightly better with his feet. If we were going to have a lot of the ball, we could put Sam in, but I think it's too extreme to keep flipping from one goalkeeper to another just because there is a tiny difference in strengths between them.”

Wolves will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they host Bournemouth on Saturday.