The 17-year-old’s performances for the under-18s have led to minutes for the under-21s more recently, and the winger has grasped his chance with open arms. Having made his 21s debut as a second half substitute at Rugby Town, Reynolds has gone on to start the last three fixtures against Cardiff City, Valencia and Wolfsburg. And it was away to the Welsh outfit in the Premier League Cup where the youngster really made his mark, combining with 16-year-old Fraser Harper after just 17 minutes to assist the only goal of the game in Cardiff.
With 195 minutes in three different under-21 competitions under his belt, Reynolds is feeling confident ahead of Wednesday evening’s FA Youth Cup tie with Leicester City – an occasion he’s hoping to have an influence on should he be selected by James McPike.
On getting an opportunity in the higher age group
“It’s been good, to be honest. There have been a lot of games we’ve played in the league and other competitions and we’ve been doing quite well.
“There have been players moving about in different age groups, but I think it’s been really good. We’ve all come together and we’ve got a good momentum going on recently.”
On performing for the under-18s and then stepping up
“Coming in as a first year it’s quite difficult at the start, but as the season goes on you get used to it. You get used to the intensity and it’s been really good with lots of opportunities.
“There’s been an opportunity with me going up with the 21s which has been really good – the different types of players, the different intensity and it’s a big change.
“I was ready for it and I just had to get used to it. It’s good that the academy are giving players these opportunities to show what they can do and for their development.”
Reynolds and Harper combine 😍#PLCup pic.twitter.com/bOl474jKaT
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) December 3, 2022
On assisting at Cardiff and being supported by his peers and staff
“When I played that ball into Fraser (Harper) and as soon as I saw him score, I was really happy. I saw his face and it got me excited as well, so I just ran over to him – that was a big moment for me.
“When you have 21s players and coaches around backing you up and being happy for you is really good for going into the games.
“The coaches know how to manage you, so you’ve got to rely on them and they’ll do their best to look after you.”
On the FA Youth Cup
“I know that it’s quite a big thing. It happens once a year and everyone gets ready for the competition – it’ll be really exciting but I’m ready for it.
“It’s definitely different getting prepared as players from all different age groups come in for this.”
On taking inspiration from last season’s run
“Seeing all of the players come together and the spirit the team had was quite inspirational for me.
“To see how close you can get in the FA Youth Cup run made me really happy and excited.
“They’re (Leicester) going to be tough. They’ve been training for it as much as we have, so we’ve just got to do what we can and hopefully we’ll come out with the win.
“It’s very surreal and it will be good for the fans, family and friends to come and see me and the team play.”
