MISFIRING PAT STILL A CUT ABOVE THE REST

WOLVES’ £20million striker Patrick Cutrone has been told not to worry about his lack of goals.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo says he is not losing any sleep over the former AC Milan star’s disappointing return of just one goal in 16 appearances.

Despite that, Cutrone (right) has become a cult figure on the Molineux terraces since his summer switch.

And the 21-year-old is expected to be thrown into the big Carabao Cup derby at Aston

Villa tonight as leading scorer

Raul Jimenez is rested. “He’s integrating into the dynamic of the team,” said the Wolves boss.

“It’s not easy to be already where we expect him to be. It takes time but the best thing is he’s on to it, he wants it and he works hard. We’re expecting good things from him.

“He’s a fighter. We expect him to improve and keep growing as a player. He’s been working very well for the team.”

Cutrone’s only goal came in a 5-2 home defeat to Chelsea in September. “It’s not easy, it’s a challenge,” added Nuno. “This is what we want from players, to be taken out of their comfort zone and always be able to upgrade their performances.”

Villa made it to the fourth round with a 3-1 win at Brighton, while Wolves won a penalty shootout against Championship side Reading.

And Villa keeper Tom Heaton says Dean Smith’s men should get themselves ready for a red-hot atmosphere against their West Midlands rivals.

Heaton revealed there is a buzz around the dressing room, with a quarter-final place up for grabs. “The lads have been talking about how hostile it will be,” he said.

“A local derby, a big game under lights. We are looking forward to it and want to go as far as we can.”