Sources: Wolves starlet Joe Hodge in line for full debut after behind-the-scenes reveal
Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge is in contention to start against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, sources have told Football Insider.
Club staff have been impressed with the 20-year-old’s development this calendar year.
There is a belief behind-the-scenes that Hodge offers something different to the current crop of first-team midfielders at Molineux.
Wolves caretakers Steve Davis and James Collins are now considering starting the young midfielder in the crunch clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (15 October).
Collins has a close relationship with Hodge having worked with him while in charge of the club’s under-23s.
In August 2021, Hodge joined Wolves on a three-year deal from Manchester City.
The centre-midfielder was named City’s Scholar of the Year in 2019 but left the club to better his chances of a first-team breakthrough.
That breakthrough came in Wolves’ 3-0 loss to Chelsea on Saturday (8 October).
Hodge made his debut as a second-half substitute at Stamford Bridge, replacing Goncalo Guedes.
Speaking to club media post-match (12 October), Hodge expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make his Premier League debut.
The Republic of Ireland youth international said: “I got a bit of luck with Steve and James taking over but you just never know when it (the opportunity) is going to come.”
Wolves are currently 18th in the Premier League table having won only once this season.
They welcome fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest to Molineux this weekend.
In other news, a source has revealed Jorge Mendes is in Wolves manager talks as offer is readied.