Wolves U21s manager James Collins has given his thoughts about Pedro Neto, who featured for his side against Arsenal on Monday.
The winger started in the PL2 match against the Gunners, as he stepped up his bid to become match sharp.
Neto was back on the bench for the first-team last weekend against Southampton.
In the end, Julen Lopetegui did not turn to Neto.
Wolves were chasing the game, and the head coach seemingly felt he needed players that were match sharp to turn the contest.
Ultimately, all the changes he made at St. Mary’s Stadium were vindicated.
Neto was then named as a starter for the U21s for Monday’s game with Arsenal. And it did not take him long to make an impact.
After just seven minutes, Neto picked the pocket of a Gunners defender and raced to the penalty area.
He arrowed a low shot into the far corner for a terrific finish.
His goal came in front of Lopetegui, sporting director Matt Hobbs and a few members of the first-team squad who were watching on.
Speaking after the game, U21s manager Collins said: “I think it’s something we deserved. It’s been a while since we’ve gone ahead in a game which always helps.
“The performance from minute one was good and it helps when you get the first goal – Pedro (Neto) took his goal really well and having that quality in the group for 45 minutes shows the levels and difference. I thought he made a big difference in that way.”
Potentially, Neto – who cost Wolves around £16 million – could now have some involvement for the first-team this weekend against Bournemouth.
Pedro Neto shows his quality for Wolves U21s and will hope for minutes against Bournemouth, as James Collins delivers praise
It was good to see Neto back in action after his frustrating injury setback.
Collins clearly enjoyed having him to call on for this game with Arsenal, and it will have bene good for the other players to have shared the pitch with him.
Hopefully now Neto is somewhere close to being ready for first-team minutes.
In an ideal world, Wolves will manage to take a comfortable lead against the Cherries on Saturday, and Lopetegui will feel compelled to introduce Neto at some stage in the second-half.
With Hwang Hee-chan injured, it’s a chance for Neto to really catch Lopetegui’s eye upon his return.