The visitors were 3-1 winners at Compton Park in a game where Wolves found themselves a goal to the good after just 11 minutes, with Hodge netting against his former club. It capped off a busy two-week period for the midfielder who proudly made his international bow for Ireland under-21s, as they agonisingly missed out on a place at next summer’s U21 Euros following a two-legged play-off defeat to Israel.
On not being clinical with chances
“We didn’t make the most of some of the chances we had in and around their box. It could have been a different game if we were better with the final pass and finish.
“I think they just showed their quality and that was the difference. It’s just frustrating we didn’t build from the early goal, as we know we’ve got more in us than we showed on Sunday.
“Some of our play was good, some of it could have improved. I thought we created enough chances to draw the game, even to win the game – that’s what it comes down to, they showed the quality in both boxes that we probably didn’t.
“It’s something I wanted to add to my game, a few more goals. There’s still a long way to go and I had more chances that I could’ve taken.”
Two former Man City players combine!
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) October 2, 2022
Harvey Griffiths plays in Joe Hodge to give us the lead.
🎓⚽️ pic.twitter.com/aDo71zdiGp
On representing Ireland
“It was great to be called up to Ireland, I love being there. I’m grateful to the gaffer for putting his trust in me. I don’t play as high a standard as the other boys in the squad who are playing really well in league football. To be noticed for my performances is a good thing.
“The high-pressure games are great to be involved in. As a young player, it’s the highest level before senior international football and they were two big games.”
On suffering U21 Euro play-off heartbreak
“It’s been a rough week losing on Sunday and not going through last week with Ireland. It was a sickener to lose on penalties, but I can’t fault any of the lads in both games.
“We gave everything, it was just really frustrating we couldn’t pick anything up this week or go through with Ireland.
“That’s the highest level of football I’ve been involved in so far. Even the atmosphere out in Israel was different to academy football and that’s obviously where I want to get to.
“It was brilliant to be involved in, I’m just still gutted to be honest about not going through.”
Rounding up the action for our players across international break.
— Wolves Academy (@WolvesAcademy) September 28, 2022
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On the step up to international level
“There is a difference. The intensity is higher – I don’t know if that was due to the pressure on the game. All the boys I was playing with and against out there were senior pros, so the level is different.
“It’s a step up and that’s the level I want to be preparing myself for. They’re the games everyone wants to be involved in so the more I can get of them, the better.
“It’s just taking it day-by-day. I just want to work hard, keep getting fitter and improve all aspects of my game – we’ll see what comes of it.”
