‘Back on the grass’: Gary O’Neil says Wolves first-teamer could return to action on Saturday

Gary O’Neil provided an update on Joe Hodge, after Wolves lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Saturday.

Wanderers slipped to another defeat in the Premier League, letting slip a one-goal lead to the Reds.

Hwang Hee-chan gave Wolves a deserved lead early on.

And Wolves could have gone in two or three goals up at half-time.

But it was not to be, and Liverpool hit back with Wolves way worse in all aspects in the second-half.

O’Neil was relatively upbeat after the game given the way Wolves played at times. But he was not happy with how Liverpool’s second goal came about.

He also provided an update on Hodge…

Joe Hodge set for Wolves return soon as O’Neil provides update

Speaking after the game, O’Neil provided a positive update on Hodge, who suffered a hamstring injury in his first appearance of the season against Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.

The international break came at a good time for him, and he will make his return to the first-team very soon.

Suggesting the player could be in contention to face Luton Town on Saturday, O’Neil said (via Express & Star): “Joe Hodge is back on the grass running and should be back with the group some point next week.”

Hodge will be hoping to return to match fitness as quickly as possible.

Even though Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho both left in the summer, he still has strong competition at Molineux, with Tommy Doyle and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde both arriving as new signings.

Joe Hodge will have to work very hard for minutes at Wolves

It was frustrating for Hodge to suffer the injury when he did.

But thankfully there was an international break so he hasn’t missed out too much.

But he must now try and build up his match fitness as best he can.

It will be difficult to do that because arguably there are four players ahead of him in the pecking order right now.

Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina are nailed on picks for O’Neil.

Bellegarde looks a great signing already, and then there are further options in the form of Doyle and Boubacar Traore.

But Hodge is a great character, and will work his socks off to impress O’Neil.

‘Absolutely magnificent’: O’Neil says 23-year-old has been incredible since he came to Wolves

Gary O’Neil has moved to praise Pedro Neto again, following the winger’s latest display for Wolves against Liverpool.

Wanderers came away from Molineux empty-handed on Saturday.

Despite an amazing first-half display, Wolves lost 3-1 against the Reds.

It could have been so different had Wolves been more clinical in the final third.

Wanderers could have gone in 3-0 up at half-time, which would have given Liverpool a mountain to climb.

But Wolves scored just the one goal on the day through Hwang Hee-chan, which was set up by Neto.

And O’Neil has lavished more praise on the 23-year-old.

Gary O’Neil hails Pedro Neto after latest display for Wolves against Liverpool

Neto’s performance in the first-half against Liverpool was electric.

He was a constant threat for Wanderers.

Joe Gomez, deputising for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, looked totally uncomfortable against the Portuguese.

Neto made the first goal for Hwang, which was his fourth assist of the season so far.

After the game, O’Neil lavished praise on the in-form attacker for what he’s shown since he came to the club as the new head coach.

He said (Express & Star): “Pedro has been absolutely magnificent since I’ve arrived.

“We’ve done a lot of work with him. Last year his performances were probably under what they should have been for a player of his quality, but he’s bought into everything we’ve asked of him and the improvement in him has been incredible.

“He’s willing to work every day and take on board what we ask. He looks like a really top player at the moment.”

O’Neil’s comments follow those of Max Kilman, who also heaped praise on Neto.

Neto on fire right now

Following the departure of some key players at Molineux, Neto is really stepping up to the plate so far.

It is as though he’s watched the likes of Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and Raul Jimenez leave and said to himself that he is going to be the new main man.

It’s been brilliant to watch him in these opening weeks.

He actually looks somewhat like the player of old, before his injury problems, which is hugely encouraging.

Wolves fans will desperately hope he can keep it up.