Wolves are in action in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon as Vitor Pereira eyes silverware in his first season.
The Portugese got his FA Cup career off to a flying start as Wolves beat Bristol City 2-1 in the third round of the competition.
After the victory, Wolves learned that their next opponent also comes in the form of an impressive Championship side, with a trip to Ewood Park on the cards.
Blackburn Rovers are fifth in the second flight despite hitting a rough patch of form, making Sunday’s meeting a testing outing in the cup for the Old Gold.
Vitor Pereira should hand Pedro Lima game time against Blackburn Rovers
After Wolves returned to winning ways by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Molineux, Pereira’s side will enter the FA Cup fourth round with confidence.
Prior to the Midlands derby win, the Old Gold had lost four Premier League games in a row, with the taste of victory arriving at the perfect time.
Last season, Wolves reached the quarter-final of the FA Cup and will be hoping to have a similarly successful cup run this term.
Pereira understands the importance of the FA Cup, which was reflected as the Wolves manager opted to go full strength against Bristol City but, the boss could be inspired to hand minutes to a rarely-seen star at Ewood Park.
Summer signing Pedro Lima has slipped under the radar to some degree, which is somewhat expected as the right-back is still only 18 years old and acclimatising to senior football.
That being said, the Brazilian has already shown the impact he can make against Championship opposition, as Lima thrived in the Carabao Cup against Burnley, who are pushing for Premier League promotion.
In that fixture, the teenager secured an assist and was remarkably influential at wing-back, something that could be replicated against Blackburn.
Lima is certainly ready for senior football
Gary O’Neil had reservations about Lima being ready for senior football but, the Brazilian has since made the former Wolves boss eat his words.
In his four senior appearances this season, the summer signing has impressed, with Lima’s performance against Nottingham Forest earning high praise.
The 2006-born starlet might be at the opening stages of his career but his presence is something Pereira must take advantage of, as Wolves could sculpt the former Sport Recife ace into a world-beater.
It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese decides to test Lima against Blackburn but, history will tell Pereira that the bold move could pay off.