Benik Afobe has scored eight goals in 13 appearances for Wolves

Wolves striker Benik Afobe's emergence as the country's leading scorer is no surprise to head coach Kenny Jackett.

Afobe, 22, has netted eight goals since signing for £2m from Arsenal in January, adding to the 19 he scored on loan at MK Dons earlier this season.

His total of 27 is one more than Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

"If you are a young striker and you go to a new club and you get off to that type of start, it should encourage you and give confidence," said Jackett.

"Eight goals in 13 games is a great return."

Afobe's volley in Tuesday's 3-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday took him above Kane, whose 26 goals in all competitions this season earned him a first call-up to the full England squad on Thursday.

Having first taken Afobe on loan while at Millwall, Jackett is delighted that he persuaded Wolves owner Steve Morgan to make a sizeable investment to sign the player in January.

Two of Benik Afobe's 19 goals for MK Dons came in a 4-0 win over Manchester United in the League Cup

"He showed fantastic potential on loan at Millwall before he got injured and had to go back," Jackett told BBC Sport.

"He has already made a good impact here. There were a lot of games earlier in the season where we could keep things tight and very close and competitive but, being one of the clubs that has a chance of promotion, you need to then be constructive and open teams up and Benik has helped us to do that.

"He has given us good options going forward and brings other people into play."

Jackett's side have scored 21 goals in their last 10 games to maintain their challenge for a Championship play-off spot, and are three points from the top six going into Friday's game with fifth-placed Derby County.

Jackett believes their impressive form will inspire their young players, adding: "There are a number of younger players here like him that have their best years ahead of them. We have to keep that hunger and desire."