Nuno thinking ahead for Wolves with John Ruddy selection

Ruddy is set to replace Rui Patricio between the sticks to help prepare him for Wolves' biggest game of the season in two weeks, an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.

Nuno said Patricio had taken the decision well.

And explaining the bold call, the head coach it was tough to expect Ruddy to perform at the top of his game if he was only featuring sporadically.

When asked if it was avoid Ruddy going cold into the United game, Nuno said: "That’s behind the decision, and because we totally trust him.

"We believe – and he saved us against Cardiff (saving an injury time penalty)! But that’s not the reason.

"It’s tough (not playing regularly), John has done very well on a daily basis, but now we see that this is the right moment for him to play, because we want him to be good, to feel stronger when the moment comes – and that moment is going to come on March 16. He has to be ready.

"For the first time maybe, I’m thinking a little but more ahead. Could be, but it’s true, I feel he needs tomorrow's game."

"(As a keeper) the distance, the timing, things that no matter you try out in training, you cannot achieve.

"To play is different and we want him to play tomorrow."

On his reason to reveal the decision early Nuno said: "It’s just to avoid any speculation when you see the team, don’t start thinking about other things beyond what I say here."

And on how Patricio had taken the decision, Nuno added: "Good, we don’t make decisions just because we want to (for the sake of it).

"We explain it, there’s dialogue, everyone understands it, they accept it in the best way.

"On this particular position, we think it’ll be good for us.

"The keepers here have enough quality to play, I am totally confident."