The 19-year-old, who also lifted the HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens shield during the summer, was one of the stand-out Academy acquisitions last season and seems to be going from strength to strength in gold and black.
Ahead of flying out with the first-team last night to take part in the Premier League Asia Trophy, Francis reflected on how his first pre-season with Wolves has gone so far.
On being back in training
“It feels good. You obviously miss it. It’s good to have a few holidays, but I miss it when I’m away. It’s definitely good to be back on the pitch and playing.
“The first week’s always tough. A lot of the players dread coming back in the first week, but once you get it out of the way then it’s a good feeling and I think we’ve done that. We’ve worked hard this week, a lot of good sessions, and I’m feeling good going forward.”
On pre-season at St George’s Park
“It was a great facility to work at. It had everything we need to think and focus. Coming away from Compton, obviously everyone stayed in the hotel, so we could focus on football only, which is good.”
On training with the first-team
“It is great to be around the first-team. Obviously, there are a lot of great players that you can learn from every day, off the pitch, as well as on the pitch. There’s a lot of experience in the dressing room, so it’s good to be in and around it, and see what goes on.
“There’s a lot of people to do what you need, people who want you to be fit and ready. There’s a lot of people looking after you which is good. You can get all the help you need, then it will be sorted out for you. I think it takes the pressure off the players, so you can focus on football.”
On getting the season started
“Everyone loves the matches the best, obviously training is good, being in and around it, but once the games start is when it kicks in properly.”
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