James Collins has lavished praise on Luke Cundle, after the youngster hit a brace in the 3-2 Premier League Cup win over Middlesbrough last night.
The teenager was on target twice as Wanderers seal their place in the final against West Bromwich Albion.
Cundle struck just before half-time, converting Hugo Bueno’s cross at the far post.
He then added his second with around 20 minutes to go. Dexter Lembikisa’s cross found Chem Campbell, who chested down for Taylor Perry who forced a save from the goalkeeper, before Cundle finished.
The youngster’s performance was lapped up for U23s manager Collins after the game.
He said: “I thought he was excellent tonight, he got his goals, but he was missing some as well, so I thought he could’ve got even more goals and I’ll be challenging him to do that.”
Collins also touched on Cundle’s attitude.
The starlet has obviously been on the fringes of the first-team squad this season.
Bruno Lage has given him a couple of starts against Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Some young players would perhaps let a first-team chance go to their head.
But not Cundle, with Collins saying: “But he texts me to ask if he can play and you don’t get that often with players who go up to the first-team.
“They’re not desperate to play for the under-23s, but he just wants to play football. We could get a ball out now and have a five-a-side on the car park and he’d want a game, and when you’re a coach, you love players who are like that because they love the game.”
Luke Cundle heading the right way for more first-team involvement with Wolves
It is one thing to be a talent young footballer. But having the right attitude and work ethic is crucial.
Cundle is a huge talent, and it seems he has a mentality that is going to serve him very well.
He has his feet firmly on the ground, and just wants to get out and play football.
If he continues to operate like this, it surely won’t be long before he sees a drastic increase in opportunity at the club.
He made a great impression when he featured against Spurs. If he continues to work hard and be grounded, there is no reason he can’t become much more involved under Lage.