WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett says Newport’s Lee Evans will be given the chance to impress in pre-season after a disappointing six months in the Midlands.

Evans, who left hometown club Newport County AFC for Wolves in January 2013, enjoyed a dream start to life at Molineux as he helped his new side to promotion to the Championship in his first full season.

And he was flying high with a call-up to the senior Wales squad last October but injury meant he missed out on a first senior cap and he has not played for Wolves since February.

But, ahead of County’s trip to Wolves in the Capital One Cup on August 11, Jackett has confirmed he will offer a clean slate to his squad this season.

And that means players like Evans will be given the chance to impress during pre-season.

“We have 19 outfield players, before we start to look at the under-21 boys,” said the former Swansea City boss.

“Part of those 19 are the likes of Lee Evans, George Savile and Michael Jacobs, who didn’t play much football for us last year, not as much they would have wanted.

“But this is a new season, it’s not a big group and I’m open minded with regard to the new season.

“It’s a clean slate and I’ve been pleased with the fitness level and application of the players. Earning places is something that must be competitive.”

Evans is contracted to Wolves until the summer of 2017 after signing a new three-year deal last year.

After helping Wales under-21s kick-off their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Bulgaria in Cardiff in March, Evans told the Argus he was keen to stay and fight for his place at Wolves.

“It has been hard,” he said. “After breaking my hand against Birmingham [in November] I tried to play on with it and I couldn’t continue my form.

“I’ve had to watch a lot lately and it’s been difficult but they’ve been winning games so I can’t really complain too much.

“I’ve had a few words of advice from the manager and I know I’ve just got to keep my head down and work hard in training, which is what I’ve been doing.”