Irish midfielder Joe Hodge initially joined Wolves in the summer of 2021 to bolster James Collins’ development squad, but he's quickly progressed into a first-team regular.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international headed to Molineux on a three-year-deal from Manchester City, where he signed at the age of nine and rose through the system.

A composed midfielder who signed his first professional contract in August 2020, Hodge spent time on loan at League of Ireland side Derry City before a back injury unfortunately prevented him making an appearance for the club.

Although he was released by Man City, former Wolves technical director Scott Sellars brought Hodge to the club having known the youngster during his previous five-year stint at City's academy, but the midfielder's gold and black bow had to wait as he recovered from his injury.

Once he was available for selection, he shone for the under-21s, while impressing during first-team training, which earned him a senior debut against Chelsea in the Premier League during October 2022.

Since that afternoon at Stamford Bridge, Hodge made his full debut in Wolves' 1-0 win over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup and has become engrained into Julen Lopetegui's first-team squad.