Striker Jorgen Strand Larsen’s hat-trick ended his Wolves goal drought as he fired them past League Two Shrewsbury into the FA Cup fourth round.
The Norway forward had not scored in 13 games but his treble ended any fears of an upset.
Jhon Arias also netted before conceding a penalty for John Marquis to briefly give the visitors hope, before Rodrigo Gomes and Tolu Arokodare added late goals to complete the 6-1 rout.
Wolves are willing to sell Strand Larsen, who now has six goals, this month. He has been targeted by fans after his form this season, with the club also having rejected two bids from Newcastle in the summer.
But Edwards defended the 25-year-old, who joined from Celta Vigo in 2024 and scored 14 times last season.
“I definitely think it’s been misunderstood because he’s always shown his real commitment to the club,” he said.
“There’s such high expectations, everyone just thinks, ‘right, come and pick up where you left off last year’ but there has been so much going on for him.
“Because it has maybe not quite clicked for the team, not just him, then it becomes a bit of a focal point and people latch on to that.
“The more we support our players, the better they’re going to perform. That is a fact. No-one’s going to perform better when they’re getting stick.
“It would be brilliant if we put him on a hot streak. It doesn’t change his attitude.
“While we’re in the window there will always be speculation about a number of our players. I get it, it’s understandable, but they are showing their commitment here right now.”
Victory made it four games unbeaten for Rob Edwards’ side – having previously lost 12 straight games in all competitions – as Wolves found some momentum amid their wretched season, sitting bottom of the Premier League 14 points from safety.
Strand Larsen flicked the ball home after nine minutes before Arias added a second goal soon after.
With 66 places separating the sides Wolves were in control but Marquis’ spot-kick, after Arias felled the forward, reduced the deficit.
There was no comeback, though, when goalkeeper Elyh Harrison gifted Strand Larsen a second, passing to the striker who found the empty net from 30 yards.
Strand Larsen then completed his hat-trick in the second half when he stroked in from Arias’ pass, before Rodrigo Gomes and Tolu gave the scoreline gloss with two late goals.
“The quality told,” said Shrewsbury boss Michael Appleton. “Going 2-0 down so early made it difficult. The third goal has a massive effect on the game, in terms of the confidence.”
If they are Strand Larsen’s final Wolves goals at least he parts having repaired a fractured relationship with the fans.
Wolves are willing to sell him this month, amid interest from Nottingham Forest, after his poor form and crumbling rapport with supporters.
He had scored just three goals for the club this season, so doubling his tally against Shrewsbury is a much-needed tonic.
Supporters who have targeted him, under the misguided assumption the striker does not care having missed out on a move to Newcastle in the summer, sung his name at Molineux after he completed his treble.
It would have been exactly what manager Edwards would have wanted – an out-of-form striker getting the goals which could revive his season.
That could be at Molineux or elsewhere, with the window open for another three weeks.
Edwards is willing to part with the forward but only if it is right for the club – and they would need to bring in a replacement, despite having Tolu in reserve.
It helped Wolves dispatch the League Two strugglers, and with six goals it gives them confidence and momentum, regardless of the opposition.
Wolves host Newcastle in the Premier League next Sunday (14:00 GMT) before heading to Manchester City on 24 January (15:00).
Shrewsbury host fellow League Two strugglers Harrogate next Saturday (15:00) and then travel to MK Dons on 24 January (15:00).
