Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui believes young star Joe Hodge will earn his rewards in the future.

The midfielder has played his first senior minutes this season, but those came under interim coach Steve Davis in October.

He was not used by Lopetegui, but the Spanish coach does believe in Hodge's talent.

"He is a very good example as a young player, because he has worked very hard all year," Lopetegui stated, per the Express and Star.

"When he's not involved with us, he wants to be involved with the under-21s and it's a good thing for him.

"He has a very strong mentality. I like this player and I think he will develop more as a player, because he's ready to fight and ready to stay in the bad and good moments.

"He's a good example for the other young players here."