Injury 'a nightmare' for Wolves' Kortney Hause

Defender Kortney Hause has opened up on his injury hell – and now he wants to achieve his Premier League ambitions with Wolves.

Hause revealed he worked with the club's sports psychologist during his four-month absence.

And he admits he rushed back too soon from his initial injury, leading to another eight weeks out.

The 20-year-old returned to training six weeks after pulling his hamstring against Middlesbrough last October, but didn't return until late February.

He feels he will be better placed to cope with injuries in the future, but conceded it had been a tough few months on the sidelines.

He said: "It was a very frustrating injury. Being a young lad, playing at Championship level is so good.

"I'm so excited about it and I want to be out there playing every week and to prove myself to the manager and the fans.

"When you're not playing the only thing on your mind is to get back playing. Maybe I did rush it back the first time – but it comes with experience.

"You need to know your own body. I know in the future, touch wood I don't get any injuries, but I know how to deal with it."

Assistant boss Joe Gallen and coach Rob Edwards helped Hause through his injury nightmare, as did psychologist Dave Young.

Hause added: "I did sessions with Dave where he was getting me to watch back clips of my game, certain areas like heading, defending crosses, loads of aspects.

"It was getting programmed back in my head. It really helped me get to the pace of the game."

Was the injury the toughest spell of his fledgling career?

He continued: "Being released from West Ham was very disappointing. I managed to get through that and, since then, I've been on the up.

"Everything was going well, even the start of this season I felt I was performing well.

"It (the injury) was very mentally demanding. It's been one of the worst moments of my career."

Hause has settled nicely back into the side with two solid performances at centre-half against Bristol City and Birmingham.

He feels and he fellow young team-mates are constantly improving – and that the experience of this season will stand them in good stead for a Premier League push next season.

Hause, who has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, said: "We've all had enough experience this year to see what the Championship is about and what we're up against.

"Playing week in, week out helps – practice makes perfect. Every game I've played has helped me to become what I am now. I've still got a lot of improving to do, I'm excited about that.

"Myself, Dominic Iorfa, Jordan Graham when he's back, George Saville, we've got a young team that's building for the future.

"Everyone's got that (Premier League) ambition, I'd like to play there but I'm at Wolves and I want to get there with Wolves.

"I don't pay any attention (to speculation) – I'm a Wolves footballer and my focus is here. If we didn't have all these injuries, we'd be up there."

On the trip to Burnley, he added: "Every game's a big game, it's a cup final, that's how I see it and how I get through games. There's no reason we can't go there and upset them."