A Wolverhampton-born striker, Sam Winnall can also play wide given his speed and ability to take on opponents.

He started out playing for Lucas, now Goodrich, when he was just five and was eventually spotted by Wolves scout Bob Bennett playing in a town game against Wolverhampton District.

Winnall was among the goals both at Academy level and in the reserves as he came through the youth ranks and signed a professional contract at the end of the 2008/09 season. 

Unfortunately he then picked up a cruciate knee injury in a pre-season friendly with Kidderminster Harriers but was back fit again and playing reserve team football towards the end of the 2009/10 campaign.

And after an excellent and goal-laden pre-season for the Development squad, having come off the bench for the first team in their friendly at Walsall, he made his first senior start in the Carling Cup tie with Southend in August, 2010.

Winnall performed well, winning the penalty from which Wolves scored their first goal and going close with a volley in the second half.

He then enjoyed a loan spell at Burton Albion over the second half of the 2010/11 season and notched seven goals from 12 starts and a further seven appearances as a substitute.