Mick McCarthy today declared Wolves will not see the best of Wayne Hennessey for at least five years.

The Wales international put pen to paper on a new five-year contract this week to end speculation on his future.

Hennessey lost his place to Marcus Hahnemann last November and has not been able to regain his spot.

But at 23, his best years are clearly ahead of him and McCarthy pointed to the examples sprinkled through the Premier League of keepers not reaching their best until well into their 30s.

Brad Friedel (40), David James (39), Edwin van der Sar and Mark Schwarzer (both 37) are among the keepers performing at the best at the so-called veteran stage.

“Wayne’s best won’t even come in this next five years,” said the boss.

“Look at the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, at Manchester United, Villa, Portsmouth, us, Fulham and Chelsea.

“With a lot of people judgement gets better as you get older and that’s the same for goalkeepers as well. Centre halves are the same. Everybody also becomes more influential in the dressing room as they get older.

“They always say that goalkeepers are nuts but I’ve met a few who are quiet and reserved as well as the nutty ones!

“It just depends on the characters they are. As you get older, you do get more experienced and a bit more comfortable in yourself and you carry yourself better.

“All our players who played in the Premier League last season will feel better about themselves.”

McCarthy however is convinced Hennessey will be better this season for the experience he gained last term.

By TIM NASH