Zeli Ismail tipped to push for Wolves first team

Zeli Ismail is one of several Wolves cubs expected to challenge for first-team places as the club welcomed gaining Category One academy status.

The 18-year-old winger was trumpeted as one of the most talented players in the country at 14 and 15 and has represented England at various age group levels.

Academy manager Kevin Thelwell believes Ismail and others will soon be looking to break into Stale Solbakken's first-team squad.

"Zeli's a very talented individual and he's able to bring games to life," said Thelwell. "But we've got other players able to do those things as well.

"Zeli was brought into the public domain at 14-years-old and so people are always asking about him.

"He's still only 18 and for him to bridge the gap between youth football and playing in our first team is very difficult.

"He's still learning the game and injuries have played a part as well. But he's still one who we'd hope to move forwards."

Thelwell said there are others in a similar position, adding: "Jack Price, Johnny Gorman and Ethan Ebanks-Landell were on the bench for the first team last season and Gorman is a Northern Ireland international."

See also:

• Wolves academy achieves Category One status

• Kevin Doyle ready to stay to help Wolves promo push

• George Elokobi fights to keep Wolves place