In the space of 49 minutes against Shrewsbury, Jorgen Strand Larsen scored as many times as in his previous 22 matches for Wolves – and still these might have been his final goals for the club.
The hat-trick against League Two strugglers Shrewsbury, which assured Wolves’ safe passage to FA Cup round four, is unlikely to change minds about Strand Larsen. Since the start of the January window, Wolves have been open to bids for the Norwegian and had been expecting Nottingham Forest to make an initial offer.
Boss Rob Edwards did not rule out Strand Larsen leaving. He said: ‘With every good player there is going to be interest but we will do everything on an individual basis.
‘If it’s the right thing for the club we will see but at the moment there is nothing to talk about. We are under no pressure to sell anyone and Jorgen is showing his commitment. He has shown a great attitude and it would be good if this put him on a hot streak.’
This was straightforward for Wolves, who are now unbeaten in four in all competitions.
Early goals from Strand Larsen and Jhon Arias put them in control and though John Marquis halved the deficit from the spot, two more from Strand Larsen and a fifth from substitute Rodrigo Gomes meant Wolves were never in any danger. In stoppage time, young star Mateus Mane’s brilliant pass allowed David Moller Wolfe to set up the sixth for Tolu Arokodare, who had come on for Strand Larsen.
Jorgen Strand Larsen scores Wolves’s fourth goal and completes his hat-trick
Strand Larsen gives the thumbs up during his stellar display – amid speculation over his future
If anyone signs Strand Larsen, it is for the qualities he showed here. He produced two clever finishes – a back-heel and a calm sidefoot into the far corner – either side of guiding into an empty net from 30 yards, after Shrewsbury goalkeeper Elyh Harrison had presented him with the ball.
Everyone knows what Strand Larsen can do. He managed 14 goals in the last campaign, which was a complicated one for Wolves, and attracted offers of close to £60m from Newcastle last summer. As the bids arrived so close to the deadline, Wolves decided not to sell, accepting they would probably never receive such an offer again.
The problem was that Strand Larsen wanted to move to the Magpies and this disappointment, along with persistent Achilles trouble, has hindered him this term. His last goal at club level was in the defeat by Burnley here in October and in the league, he has not scored from open play all season.
The 25-year-old has been targeted by home supporters during Wolves’ miserable campaign yet they were behind him again here.
If Strand Larsen has indeed scored for the last time for Wolves, at least this performance should guarantee him a better reception on his return than he might have received otherwise. Because hat-trick or no hat-trick, Strand Larsen remains in the shop window.
Molineux’s new prince
Four starts, two goals, and already two chants. Mateus Mane has not been around for long but the Wolves supporters have fallen in love.
Mane, 18, has made such an impact that he was rested for this game, to keep him fresh for the Premier League. Before he even came on, the South Bank was serenading him and when Mane did replace Joao Gomes after an hour, they sang another song in his honour.
Matheus Mane is already a fan favourite – and Wolves will not consider selling this month
Many players can reach 100 games for a single club without having their own chant, but supporters here understand that Mane is no ordinary player. One touch to set up a shot showed his class, before an outrageous outside-of-the-foot pass that helped create the sixth – the sort of technique and vision that would have made even Zinedine Zidane proud.
Here is the good news. Daily Mail Sport understands Wolves will consider selling any player this month, except for Mane.
Clubs have already tried, but sporting director Matt Jackson has insisted Wolves will not entertain any offers. All supporters hope that position holds for the rest of this month.
It may be a different conversation in the summer. All things being equal, Wolves will be able to demand a huge fee for Mane, much of which can be used to rebuild the squad to try to make an instant return to the Premier League.
For now, though, Wolves fans want to enjoy watching him for as long as they can.
