Wolf boss Gary O’Neil praises ‘smart’ Sasa Kalajdzic for match winner against Everton and backs striker for ‘impact matches’ after return from ACL injury
- Wolves left it too late to beat Everton at Goodison Park, with Kalajdzic scoring
- The striker came off the bench while O’Neil managed his minutes on his return
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There couldn’t be a more popular Wolves game winner than six-foot striker Sasa Kalajdzic, who had been out for nearly a year with a cruciate ligament injury.
The great Austrian was knocked out shortly after his move from Stuttgart and did not play between last September and coming on as a substitute at Old Trafford two weeks ago.
His clever header from Pedro Neto’s cross was therefore his first goal in Wolves colors and manager Gary O’Neil said Kalajdzic deserved the euphoric celebration with teammates and fans. The 87th-minute winner arrived just two minutes after replacing Matheus Cunha.
“Sasa is popular in the locker room. It is very highly regarded within the group,” said O’Neil.
“They’ve seen him go through a rough patch and it was very fitting for him to celebrate with the people who’ve been there and know where he’s coming back from.”
Sasa Kalajdzic scored a late winner for Wolves against Everton on Saturday afternoon
Gary O’Neil has praised the striker for his return from injury and his role in the Wolves squad
The Wolves boss says the attacker “needs extra time on the grass” but can have an impact
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“It was a big moment for Sasa, but also a reward for the enormous effort everyone put in.”
Everton and Wolves were the two lowest goalscorers in the Premier League last season and would go on to play the first goalless draw of the season until Kalajdzic showed his class.
“It was an important touch to lead the ball in. A very clever finish,” added O’Neil
“He’s worked really hard since I’ve been here. You wouldn’t be able to play him for 90 minutes at the moment, but he has quality in the penalty area. I thought he might be the guy because we got into good areas.
“It was way off sharpness when I came in 15 days ago and I don’t have a clear picture of what it’s like when it’s full throttle.
“He understands that he needs extra time on the grass. But he can influence matches.’
O’Neil confirmed that Hwang Hee-Chan was withdrawn at half time due to a hamstring injury.