WOLVES head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith insists both Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill are key to his future plans despite sending them out on loan.

The young pair both joined Widnes Vikings last week on month-long deals after finding first-team opportunities limited this season.

Despite starting Wolves' season opener against St Helens, Penny has made only one Super League appearance since, in the 28-6 defeat to Castleford last month.

Meanwhile, Pickersgill has played three times this year, all as a substitute, but has not been involved since the 60-8 defeat at Harlequins in March.

They will link up with former coach Paul Cullen at the Stobart Stadium Halton and Smith hopes the move will aid their development.

He said: “This is a very good move for both of them.

“They’re still important for the future and even the present.

“They can remain training with us on the days they’re not training with Widnes. They’re still our boys.”

Penny's departure is the most surprising, the winger having been a first-team regular since bursting onto the scene with 13 tries in 13 games at the end of the 2007 season.

The 21-year-old also touched down 13 times last year, this time in 24 games, to finish third in the club's try-scoring charts.

But Smith says he still has a lot to learn and Widnes is the ideal place to do that.

He said: “We felt Kevin needed to get into a different environment. He needs to be challenged a bit more than where he is now, in the reserves.

“He’ll certainly get that in the Championship and he’ll be under the spotlight a bit more as well. He needs to perform under pressure there.

“Kevin’s very young in rugby league terms. He had a good start to it all but when you’re so young in rugby league terms, you get found out in some areas and your understanding of the game isn’t great.

“He needs to get a greater understanding of the game and he understands that. He’s really pleased to be given that opportunity.

“He’ll learn some great stuff in that arena and hopefully he’ll be back and scoring some tries for Warrington in no time.”

Pickersgill has struggled for fitness this season, suffering ongoing problems after the knee reconstruction surgery that prematurely ended his 2008 season.

But the 23-year-old prop is now back in action and Smith hopes he can restore fitness and confidence.

He said: “Steve has been out rehabilitating his knee again. He wasn’t well rehabilitated before he was back playing and that was showing.

“He needed to take some time out and get that right. He has done that now, so he’s back, ready to play and build his game up.

“It’s a great place to do that. We’re pleased that he’s got that opportunity.

“It’s probably the right opportunity and the right place to get that form back and when he does, he’ll be back here vying for a position with us.”