Wolverhampton Wanderers duo Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence are 'key' as head coach Bruno Lage looks to secure European qualification for next season, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Wolves are currently eighth in the Premier League standings, but back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and West Ham United have had a negative impact on their hopes of breaking into the top six.

What's the latest news involving Neto and Podence?

Neto has made a welcome return to action in recent weeks, with him making substitute appearances in each of Wolves' last three fixtures.

That has come after recovering from a fractured kneecap which had initially been due to rule him out for six months last April.

However, the winger's return was heavily delayed after the £31.5million-rated star suffered a major setback in August.

Neto has admitted he struggled to cope with the 'rare injury', confirming he 'had difficult times in these 10 months' on the sidelines, but he is now in contention to play a key role for Wolves in the remainder of the campaign.

Fellow Portuguese winger Podence has been a regular starter since Lage's appointment as head coach last summer, with him finding the back of the net five times in the process.

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What has Dean Jones said about Neto and Podence?

Jones believes Neto and Podence, who is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt, will need to find their best form if Wolves are to book a European spot.

The transfer insider feels the duo will be vital in the Molineux-based club gaining the results they need to climb the Premier League table.

When asked about the pair's importance as Wolves challenge for European qualification, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "It goes without saying that Neto could be key to that.

"I think Podence, as well, is going to be one of the figures that they are really looking at to make sure that they can remain in that chase for Europe."

Why are Neto and Podence so important to Wolves?

Although Wolves are currently in the Premier League's top eight, they have only scored 24 goals in 26 matches, so it is clear they need more firepower.

The returning Neto could be instrumental in improving that statistic as he has found the back of the net 10 times and recorded a further 11 assists over the course of his Wolves career.

The West Midlands club forked out £16.6million to acquire Podence's services more than two years ago and the 26-year-old has shown over the course of his career that he is capable of producing the goods in the final third of the pitch.