Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge has been told by Gary O’Neil that he has a future at Molineux, after the Irishman’s plea for game-time.
Wolves’ 21-year-old midfielder hasn’t played a minute of Premier League football yet under Gary O’Neil.
This left him to cut a frustrated figure during the international break in which he disclosed how he wanted more minutes.
He also suggested he could look to leave Wolves in January if the situation doesn’t improve.
This is likely made even more frustrating given Hodge signalled his intentions to be a regular starter in the summer before Julen Lopetegui left the club.
Now, Gary O’Neil has had his say on the situation…
Speaking with Express and Star the Wolves boss insisted he has “no issue with Joe Hodge whatsoever,” before saying the midfielder has had injury issues.
“He’s in my plans but I’ve been a player and I understand when you’re not playing as much as you want (you will be frustrated), but there’s about 14 every week that don’t play as much as they want.”
Following this, he handed Hodge an ultimatum to work hard for his chance or go.
“Joe would fall into that and as a footballer you have your own decisions to make on what that means for you, whether you’re happy to stay and fight or want to move.
“That is a normal situation and I don’t have any problems with Joe whatsoever.”
While Hodge does deserve a chance, it is hard to envision him getting one, with all the midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order.
Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina are the two clear starters, while Tommy Doyle has also put himself in good stead for a chance.
Boubacar Traore is another who is above Hodge in the rankings which likely leaves the Ireland under-21 international as fifth choice.
Therefore, we think a loan to a Championship side in January should be looked at, as he needs game-time to develop.
