Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is pleased with what he's seen from youngster Joe Hodge.

The 20-year-old midfielder has impressed in his breakthrough season with the first team. He also shone with the Republic of Ireland under-21s and captained his country.

“He's a fantastic example for the rest of the players," Lopetegui said of Hodge.

“He's very young but he's very brave and a hard worker.

“He's very humble and he's going to improve a lot, for sure.

“It's true that now he doesn't have space (to play) in these matches, but you don't know, we are going to have a lot of matches and he has to be ready.

“He is ready because he works very hard. When he isn't playing with us, he always goes to play with the under-21s and he's always smiling, with a good energy.

“It's a good thing for him, because it will help him a lot to improve and become the player that I think he will be in the future."