Here is Paddy’s verdict on Dean Smith’s Norwich City, who kept the feelgood factor bubbling with a fourth win in five and a place in the FA Cup fifth round.

• Michael McGovern 7

First senior Norwich City game since December 2020. A clean sheet into the bargain. Took no chances in the first half when he raced from his line to punt clear with Fabio Silva sensing an opportunity. Earned a slice of fortune when Daniel Podence’s low shot struck the base of his right hand post in the 55th minute and rebounded to his feet. But not seriously tested in terms of his shot stopping.

Handling was secure to gather longer range strikes during Wolves’ best spell of concerted pressure from Nelson Semedo and Ruben Neves. Got his angles right to parry from Rayan Ait-Nouri at his near post in the 67th minute.

• Sam Byram 7

Needed his experience to get to grips with the dangerous Podence. Vital interception with Silva about to pull the trigger 16 yards out shortly after the interval. Added aerial ballast into the bargain defending his own goal.

Nerveless cushioned header back towards Michael McGovern from a booming centre.

• Grant Hanley (C) 7

City look so much more secure since the captain’s return to the ranks after his shoulder injury against Manchester United prior to Christmas. Won a couple of pressure relieving free kicks after enticing Silva into rash challenges in the second half.

Running dialogue with referee Coote into the bargain, who clearly took exception to what he perceived as Norwich time wasting tactics.

• Ben Gibson 7

Incurred the wrath of referee Coote and home fans when he went down midway through the second half. The official’s gesturing towards captain Hanley and his refusal to allow a City physio on the pitch indicated he felt Gibson was looking to break up the game. But that streetwise edge has been a welcome addition in this recent winning upturn from the Canaries.

By his own admission he needed time at the start of the season to overcome ankle surgery that curtailed his Championship title run in. But now looks the part on the big stage. Excellent anticipation in the 24th minute to track the run of Silva, and get the block in as he fell backwards seven yards out.

• Brandon Williams 7

The club’s January player-of-the-month was solid again alongside his experienced central defensive partners. Needed all his athleticism with Semedo the out ball for Neves from the opening moments. Raced back in timely fashion in first half stoppage time to shepherd the ball to McGovern.

Brilliant sliding tackle inside his own area to thwart Silva in the 58th minute. One wrong move and referee Coote was pointing to the penalty spot. Later held up Podence with another well-timed tackle.

• Billy Gilmour 7

Another set piece assist with his inswinging free kick glanced home by Kenny McLean. But Gilmour's general play was sharp, and the passing progressive. Moved the ball much quicker than many of those outings prior to this injury.

Lovely body swerve lost Joao Moutinho in the fifth minute to open up a pass to Sam Byram. Pulled off the same trick for a ball swept out to the opposite side to Brandon Williams.

But also showed an appetite to track back. Vital challenge halted Leander Dendoncker, who was threatening to burst into the Norwich box. Second half exit with what Smith suggested was cramp after his recent layoff.

• Pierre Lees-Melou 7

Enjoying his best spell of the season now in Norwich’s upturn. Looks to have got to grips with the physical demands and the aggression required in the centre of the park. Demonstrated by the first half booking for leaving a calling card on Neves.

Important clearing header defending his near post from Podence’s first half free kick on the Wolves’ left. More care on intended passes for Adam Idah could have led to another two opportunities for the Irishman.

• Kenny McLean 7

Trigger move towards Billy Gilmour bought him the space but still had work to do when he rose to glance his fellow Scot’s free kick up and over John Ruddy. Offered himself as an option down that left for Gilmour in the 37th minute, but too precise with his intended cross for Idah that failed to beat the first man.

Turnover tackle allowed Milot Rashica to service Pukki again. Took his punishment when an ambitious low long range shot was blocked to spark a Wolves’ counter he halted with a pull on Podence to earn a booking.

• Przemyslaw Placheta 6

Late call up when Josh Sargent was withdrawn due to illness after originally being named in the starting XI. Did offer some drive and energy in that first period. Cute pass through the legs of a Wolves’ marker allowed Pierre Lees-Melou to counter.

Drove down the right with two for company in the 41st minute, but a drifting cross over Ruddy had no takers.

• Adam Idah 6

Well-patrolled by Wolves’ muscular defensive three. Lacked the composure in possession of his recent outings against Everton and Watford. Raced onto Lees-Melou's clearance in the 52nd minute but a poor underhit pass intended for Rashica was intercepted.

Spurned a major chance 15 minutes in when he raced onto the Kosovan international’s threaded ball but Ruddy won that battle of wits. Although Przemyslaw Placheta was appealing for the Irishman to square the ball.

Dragged another effort at the former City keeper after quick feet and assured touch to control another Rashica pass.

• Milot Rashica 7

Penetration and a touch of quality with his passing to carve out two big first half chances for Idah. Pace caused Wolves’ backline the jitters. Tracked back to help out Brandon Williams to block Semedo’s cross midway through the opening period.

Chopped infield onto his right early in the second half but a wayward shot flew well wide. Looked poised to test Ruddy late on when he opened up his body just inside the Wolves area but Semedo’s last ditch touch diverted the ball behind for a corner.

Subs:

• Teemu Pukki (for Idah, 66) 5

A thankless task with Wolves pinning Norwich back and the Finn foraging on scraps. Did reverse one clever ball into Kieran Dowell’s path to test Ruddy four minutes from the end.

• Mathias Normann (for McLean, 66) 5

Great to see the Norwegian international back after his long layoff with a pelvic-related injury. Harshly booked after tracking back to subdue Raul Jimenez.

• Kieran Dowell (for Gilmour, 72) 5

Drifted in behind but his intended cutback for Pukki was intercepted. Later forced Ruddy to dive full length to divert his strike past his left hand post from 16 yards, when Pukki returned the favour.

• Jonathan Rowe (for Rashica, 82) n/a

Showed his maturity to present another obstacle for the tricky Semedo.