"It's been misunderstood" - Wolves boss on striker's form, hat-trick and attitude

Larsen has come under criticism for his performances and fans have been unhappy with his contribution, before his three goals in the 6-1 third round win over Shrewsbury.

Edwards maintains that Larsen's attitude has been spot on throughout this tough period, as he is linked with a move away this month.

"That's not been through lack of commitment or work and that's what's really frustrating," Edwards said.

"There's such high expectations and everyone thinks he should pick up where he left off last year, but there has been so much going on for him that he's had to deal with.

"It hasn't maybe quite clicked for the team, not just him, and obviously then someone becomes a bit of a focal point and people latch onto that.

"We want to try and protect our players and look after them. The more we support our players, the better they're going to perform. That is a fact. No one's going to perform better when they're getting stick.

"I get it because of the high expectation levels, but I do definitely think it's been misunderstood, because he's always shown his real commitment to the club."

The Norwegian put in an impressive display at Molineux to help Wolves to a dominant win and Edwards was delighted for the striker.

"He's really pleased," the head coach added.

"I've been very consistent all the way through. He's been working extremely hard, his attitude's been great. He's understood why he hasn't started the last few games.

"But his attitude has remained brilliant, his training has been very, very good. Even though we've not been able to train loads in this period because we've had five games in 15 days. But his commitment has never wavered at all.

"He came on and affected the game in a very positive way at Everton the other night and then he was brilliant today. I thought in everything that he did, his link-up play, his work rate, his pressing and obviously his goals as well.

"It's a nice feeling for him. Number nines are normally judged by their goals and it's alright for me to keep saying he's working hard, his attitude's been good and all that sort of stuff - goals do certainly help for confidence.

"His ovation was great when he was coming off and hopefully the supporters can all see and believe in what I'm saying. What we're seeing every day at the training ground, that he's working really, really hard. That was very pleasing for us."