Wolves are ready to loan out wing discovery Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to extend his experience after the youngsters wowed the toughest critics of all this week.

The 17-year-old academy hit of the summer got a competitive debut against Swindon and the Birmingham City reject provided the stand-out performance of the night.

It even won the admiration of his peers with Wolves’ watching first- teamers, all impressed by this latest deposit of potential from the young Birmingham-born player who was turned away from St Andrew’s after a trial.

Defender Richard Stearman said: “Seeing young Nat come in and do very well was great to watch. It was a great debut and I am delighted for him.

“He has trained very well with the first-team, we’ve all been impressed with him and he deserves his chance. Now he has shown the fans what he is all about.

“Hopefully, he can continue to progress.”

Manager Mick McCarthy admits that a Championship-level loan could be the next step for the youngster’s development.

He said: “Nat did really well and he’d been doing well during pre-season. He’s trained with the first team, as has young James Spray who was on the bench.

“They’ve both been training with the first team and haven’t looked out of place, so I’m really pleased that they’re getting involved.

“Nat did well, particularly on the occasions when he got the ball at his feet which is what he’s good at. If he gets the ball in open play and can take people on then he’s exciting.

“The emergency loan window is still available for Championship and League One and Two clubs.

“If and when he has done enough and we think he is ready for that, it could be a possibility.”