Wolves have seen competition for their number one spot increase substantially in recent weeks with Daniel Bentley extremely impressive.
Jose Sa was injured while facing Arsenal a few weeks ago which allowed Daniel Bentley to impress in goal for the Molineux side.
With the second choice in between the sticks, Wolves didn’t concede a single goal. Coming off the bench at 2-0 down at the Emirates he kept the Gunners at bay.
He then kept a clean sheet against Burnley midweek before reverting to the bench against Nottingham Forest over the past weekend, leading to praise from Max Kilman.
Now, Gary O’Neil has lauded his goalkeepers as he admitted a tough conversation he had to have.
Gary O’Neil admits tough conversations with Daniel Bentley
Speaking with the Shropshire Star, Wolves boss O’Neil was full of praise for his two goalkeepers, but in particular Bentley who has made competition fierce.
“It was a really tough decision and a tough message to deliver.” O’Neil explained in regards to dropping Bentley.
He continued: “Dan was excellent during the chat and understood. I think it’s important to speak about Dan as well. He was brought in clearly as a number two and when I arrived I didn’t know loads about him and Sa. I hadn’t seen them work closely.
“It was fairly clear to me when I arrived that there was the thinking that there was a number one and a number two. What Dan has done in the last few weeks is create a situation where Jose now knows that Dan is there if form slips. Dan is ready.”
O’Neil then continued to heap praise onto the Wolves number two and was revelling in his options being so strong in goal.
“Really good work from Dan to push himself on that and do as well as he did, but Jose is a top goalkeeper and I was delighted he was fit. I was delighted to have to make such a difficult decision, so hopefully we can keep them both fit, keep them both in a good place.
“Having two top goalkeepers competing for that number one shirt is really important.”
Bentley pushing Jose Sa
With Bentley’s recent displays, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him given some chances in the coming weeks as the fixture schedule becomes congested.
Sa had been linked with a potential move away from Molineux in January too which could also be a reason for the Englishman to get some extra minutes in goal.
He has proved himself perfectly capable and could be possibly a stronger choice than Sa in certain games.