Wolves named 15-year-old Wesley Okoduwa in the squad yesterday against Arsenal and Gary O’Neil has now hinted at future involvement for the right-back this season.
It was a difficult night for Wolves against Arsenal on Saturday however, Gary O’Neil can be proud of his team’s performance given their current injury crisis.
The Old Gold were forced to field a makeshift side with a host of key players out of action to injury, seeing those remaining played out of position against the club that now leads the Premier League table.
The 2-0 scoreline in ways flatters Arsenal who despite being dominant, had to battle hard to ensure the three points returned to North London, with their goals coming at the end of each half.
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With Joao Gomes playing on the wing and Mario Lemina coming on in the second half as a striker, Wolves’ resources were truly tested at Molineux, with one of the main talking points being the inclusion of Wesley Okoduwa in the squad.
Gary O’Neil hints at future involvement for Wolves starlet Wesley Okoduwa
Making the Wolves squad for the second time in the Premier League this season was 15-year-old Okoduwa, who missed a science lesson in order to train with the first team ahead of their clash with Arsenal.
The right-back didn’t make his debut on the night against the Gunners however, O’Neil had a lot to say about the starlet’s future.
Speaking to the media after his side’s defeat, the manager said he was ‘disappointed’ that the teen didn’t have the chance to come on, as relayed by BBC.
“I was disappointed he didn’t get on but we were pushing hard. He’s trained really well though so I’m sure we’ll see him soon.”
Wolves shortages are a positive for young players such as Wesley Okoduwa
O’Neil’s words on the 15-year-old hinted at future involvement as soon as this season for the youngster who was mind-blowingly born in 2008.
For all of the difficulties that Wolves have faced this campaign due to their limited squad, there is a positive to take from the opportunity it has handed to youngsters over the past few weeks.
In a normal, and more favourable circumstance, Wolves wouldn’t be naming a 15-year-old in their squad to play Arsenal however, what better way to give a youngster an insight into how their future may look than to integrate them in such a high-profile fixture.
It was also a positive day for Tawanda Chirewa, who made his full Premier League debut at the age of 20, impressing with a performance he ‘should be proud of’, as per the opinion of journalist Liam Keen, who handed the forward a 7/10 match rating via Express and Star.
Only time will tell if Okoduwa will make his Premier League debut at the age of just 15 this season, in what could be the start of something special for the young defender.