It has been a season of frustration for Joe Hodge, but the midfielder will have a chance to impress tonight for Wolves against Brentford in the FA Cup third-round replay.
Hodge has only been able to make one 55-minute appearance this term. That came back in August against Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.
He suffered a hamstring injury in that game, which put him on the sidelines for a few weeks. He then had surgery on his shoulder, and only recently returned to training.
But Wolves are lacking depth tonight against Brentford, and youngster Hodge is set for some involvement according to Gary O’Neil…
Gary O’Neil hints Joe Hodge will play for Wolves against Brentford tonight
Wolves welcome Brentford tonight at Molineux, and the motivation to win is certainly there for the hosts.
Getting past the Bees tonight will see Wolves face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns in the fourth-round.
In the first game, Wolves showed good character to come from behind, after losing Joao Gomes to an early red card as well.
Tommy Doyle’s sensational strike has set up this replay, and it looks as though the Englishman may be partnered by Hodge in midfield tonight.
O’Neil said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get minutes as Joao is suspended, Mario has just arrived back and Bouba is away.
“Apart from Tommy Doyle and myself, Joe Hodge is the only first-team experienced midfielder that we have! Joe has trained really well and will play a part (against Brentford). I’m looking forward to seeing him because of how he’s trained.
“I spoke to him and told him I’m looking forward to watching him because he’s trained very well. He’s in a good spot and hopefully he does well.”
A big chance for Hodge
We shall see if Hodge actually starts tonight’s game.
Mario Lemina is back with the squad now after his compassionate leave, but he could be lacking match sharpness having not played for a few weeks.
It does present a chance to Hodge.
Should there be no further opportunities for him after this game, then it is at least a chance for him to ignite a bit of interest in him from other clubs.
The youngster recently stated that he wanted to go out on loan. A good performance here could potentially give him a lot more options.