Can Ronan and Hodge join Collins with Wolves breakthrough?
Nathan Collins’s was on the minds of most Ireland fans as Wolves kicked off their Premier League season against Leeds at Elland Road.
Arguably Irelands breakout player of 2022 so far, the talented defender was on the receiving end of a 2–1 loss up in Yorkshire. Irish players have dwindled in England’s top flight over the last decade but many will hope that Collins and Gavin Bazunu have started a trend of Premier League sides taking a chance on Ireland’s pool of what is a potential golden generation.
What came as a pleasant surprise to those keeping an eye on Wolves last weekend, was two names that appeared, perhaps unexpectedly on their bench, Connor Ronan and Joe Hodge. Both highly regarded by Ireland fans and always met when excitement when their names come into conversation. The common denominator is that both of their careers seemed to have a fine line between making that elusive breakthrough and oblivion with their places on the bench last week certainly unexpected.
Ronan has been on the circuit quite a while and it is hard to believe that he is 24. A key cog in Stephen Kenny’s under-21 side where he played a as number 10, he has shone and been deemed a talent on all of his six loan spells, most recently with St.Mirren where fans claimed that one of their favourites Jamie McGrath wasn’t fit to knot his laces. In his handful of appearances for Wolves since 2016, he has also caught the eye and was famously asked for his jersey after impressing Kevin De Bruyne in a game against Manchester City in 2017.
Hodge on the other hand, is more raw and at 19, will be disappointed not to have made a senior appearance yet. The former Manchester City youth was the star of Ireland’s European Championship campaign in 2019 where the then 16 year-old was being compared to Roy Keane among others. A shock loan to Derry City in 2021 looked like the perfect opportunity for game time but a back injury saw the spell end before it even began. However, he has worked his way into Bruno Lage’s plans featuring during pre-season.
Speaking to the Green Machíne, Wolves correspondent for the Express and Star Liam Keen gave his views on where the two players are at in Lage’s plans and what expectations Ireland fans can have for the pair this season.
The situation with Ronan is a very interesting one. Considering the number of loans he has been on, it was a surprise to see him get a chance in pre-season, but Bruno Lage has certainly given him an opportunity, or sorts.
Despite being a player Wolves, as well as Ireland fans are curious about, Liam explained that Ronan could yet depart the club before the summer transfer window is out with Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin an admirer having mentored him at St.Mirren.
The Wolves supporters are keen to see him given some game time, and considering the lack of depth in midfield it is probably warranted, but it remains to be seen if he will get that chance. It’s still possible he moves on this summer, but for now he has an opportunity and after interviewing him, he is delighted to have it.
Liam also outlined that Hodge is causing plenty of excitement at Wolves.
Hodge is highly thought of at Wolves and has impressed for the under-23s, particularly at the back end of last season. For him to be take on the pre-season tour is a show of faith in him, considering the young talents in midfield, as was his call up to the ROI U21s.
However, Liam reckons his appearances could be limited and that fans may have to be patient before seeing the midfielder in action.
He’s energetic and fully committed, but it’s so difficult to make it. He may get a chance in some cup games and will certainly pay in the Papa Johns Trophy, but it’s hard to see him getting a Premier League chance this season.
Both players represent the type of midfielders Ireland have struggled to produce in recent time and seeing their names on a Premier League bench is bound to raise excitement. Ronan has said himself that this may be his last chance to make a dent in this Wolves side which has switched to a 4–2–3–1, a formation he thrives in as an advanced midfielder.
Although a departure could be on the cards for Ronan, with so many Irish teenagers have made their Premier League bows in recent years having been earmarked to do so, Hodge could well follow that trend after years of hype that is finally being backed up with effort and performances. Both have the talent and having been afforded the chance to impress in pre-season, Irish fans may be turning their attention to Wolves for two more reasons other than Nathan Collins.
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast
