In recent international breaks, Wolves have had a lot of players head out on international duty, but one star in the Old Gold’s history was quite prolific for their nation.
Many young talents have risen through the ranks of Wolves’ Academy, with Morgan Gibbs-White the most recent coming to mind.
Currently, Mateus Mane is impressing in the youth divisions, and it seems it is only a matter of time before he gets first-team opportunities.
However, back in the late 1990s, the Wanderers had a forward come through their academy that went on to achieve great things for his nation.
Robbie Keane breaks through at Wolves
Robbie Keane made his Wolves debut at just the age of 17, and the Irishman wasted no time in having an impact.
In his first game for the men’s team, he scored two goals against Norwich City, showcasing Wolves had a top talent on their hands.
Keane would go on to show his potential further, becoming the club’s top scorer in the 1998/1999 season, netting 16 goals at just 18 years old.
Keane would play 85 games in the Old Gold, scoring 27 goals during his time at Molineux.
The youngster would be sold for a then-British record fee for a teenager at the beginning of the 1999/2000 season, with Coventry City forking out £6 million to secure the player.
Keane had just a short spell at Wolves, but his early minutes were a crucial factor in him going on to have the international career he did.
He earned his first call-up for the Republic of Ireland while wearing the Old Gold, when he made his debut for his nation against the Czech Republic in March 1998.
Robbie Keane is the Republic of Ireland’s all-time goalscorer
After leaving Wolves, Robbie Keane went on to achieve many things in the world of football.
The Irishman won the League Cup with Tottenham in 2008 and won numerous MLS Cups with LA Galaxy, but one of his biggest achievements is his record for the Republic of Ireland.
Keane played 146 times for his country, and the forward scored 68 goals. He is by far his nation’s greatest ever striker, with the closest to him having just 22 goals for Ireland.
His 68 goals match the record of German footballing great Gerd Muller, highlighting the prolific nature of the former Wolves academy player.