Express & Star

Connor Hunte: The latest Wolves pup to be given a chance

Wolves certainly aren't a club that can be accused of not giving youth a chance.

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And the latest to come through their academy or under-21 setups has spoke of his delight at making his debut.

Connor Hunte played the final eight minutes of Tuesday's 2-1 win over Bristol City after replacing Nathan Byrne.

He made an instant impact too with a driving run and shot with the scores locked at 1-1.

The 19-year-old former Chelsea midfielder said: "I really enjoyed it and thought I did okay when I came on.

"It was almost the perfect start as well. I picked the ball up on the halfway line was just driving and driving and then played a one-two with (Michal) Zyro.

"I was excited because I'd just come on and so I tried a shot which then went out for a corner.

"Looking back, maybe I should have taken the defender on in the box, but I think because I'd just come on I was excited and tried the shot.

"I'd never played in front of a crowd of that size before so it is certainly different."

Wolves have recently taken up the extra year's option on Hunte's contract.

And boss Kenny Jackett recently praised the youngster for coming on leaps and bounds this season.

Before his debut Hunte was also an unused substitute against Brentford, Derby and Middlesbrough.

And with winger Rajiv van La Parra on the verge of completing a move to Huddersfield, Hunte has a chance to stake a claim for a permanent place in Jackett's first-team squad.

"When you get a little taste of it you want more," he said.

"It definitely helps you as a young player to see others come through and make the step-up from under-21s.

"Especially for me with Jordan Graham, because he plays in my position.

"We saw him playing with us every week earlier in the season and he then comes back from his loan and does really well in the first team.

"When you see something like that it is definitely a good motivation.

"Over the last few months I think I have started to play some of my better football and feel like I have been getting stronger and stronger.

"Now I just want to carry on and keep improving.

"It would be great to be in the squad again for the Birmingham game and hopefully I can get on."

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