Rob Edwards backs 'well respected' Wolves defender to make impact

That came after Doherty was left out of the squad altogether against Manchester United and Edwards - who knows Doherty well from his previous spell at the club - believes the Irishman will have a big impact both on and off the pitch.

"His voice around the place and the training in the last few days has been good," Edwards said.

"He's reacted really well to the disappointment from the other night (against Manchester United) and the meeting that we had.

"His voice has been great out in training over the last couple of days.

"I know he's going to be key, whether he's on the pitch or not.

"He really cares about the football club, really does, passionately.

"I've been away from the club and come back and he's matured a heck of a lot and he's got great experiences now as well.

"He's very well respected in that dressing room, so there's no doubt he's important."

Doherty was vital last season under Vitor Pereira when he moved to centre-back as Wolves survived relegation.

The 33-year-old started at right-wing-back at the weekend and Edwards is prepared to utilise his versatility.

"I certainly think Doc can help us in a number of positions," Edwards added.

"I think he can do both, there's no doubt about it.

"His intelligence, he can manage himself in-game as well.

"Depending on what we feel we need in certain games, I think he'll give us options in a few positions.

"He'd like me to say he's a number 10, really, but in all seriousness, I think he's got a few positions along that back line."

Meanwhile, just over a month since taking charge, Edwards has been unable to improve results but he believes he can make a difference in the long-term.

"Results haven't changed, so that's disappointing because we all want to try and have an impact in terms of results," he said.

"But I do feel there's a lot of good work that's gone on and I feel like we've got a really good understanding now of the group and the lads.

"So that's really positive as well, but ultimately what we're judged on is the results, so that's the bit that we're really frustrated by I suppose.

"But the reality is it was difficult before we came in and I think we can see it's going to be difficult going forward I think for a period of time.

"So there might be more pain to come, but I'm energised by that and I'm looking forward to moving forward and trying to improve things."