Express & Star

Wolves legend Steve Bull proud of Helder Costa following debut goal

Record scorer Steve Bull has heaped praise on Wolves’ Helder Costa after the winger followed in his famed footsteps.

Published
Last updated

Costa scored on his debut for Portugal as they beat Scotland at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Bull netted in the same stadium on his England bow in May 1989 – a 2-0 victory in the Rous Cup – and insists the work the 24-year-old has put in to recover from last season’s ankle injury and impress on the international stage should not go unnoticed.

“I’m very pleased for him,” said the 306-goal legend.

“It is an intimidating place to go and play, never mind score, so he deserves it.

“When he got injured, he was a different player all together – he came back quite slow and sluggish.

“But he’s back to his best now and it’s absolutely tremendous, for Wolves and Portugal.”

This time last year, Costa struggled to make an impact following his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He has been a key component for Nuno Espirito Santo in the Premier League though – part of a starting XI that has been the same for all eight games so far this term.

His goal against Scotland came just before half-time of the 3-1 victory, sweeping home Kevin Rodrigues’s low cross.

“A lot of players, after an injury like he had, they fall by the wayside or go a bit astray,” said Bull.

“I think he had his head down, but he’s knuckled down, rolled his sleeves up and he’s back to the Costa we had when we bought him.”

Bull believes £13million man Costa can feature for his country for many years to come as well.

“I think it will be the first cap of many, as long as he keeps doing the bread and butter for Wolves,” he added.

“Portugal will keep close tabs on him and if he’s scoring goals for Wolves as well, he’ll be starting games for Portugal.”