Joe Hodge learning from Wolves and Ireland 'hero' Matt Doherty
Joe Hodge is enjoying learning from compatriot Matt Doherty at Wolves.
Republic of Ireland under-21 skipper Hodge was on the cusp of a senior call-up last season after making his breakthrough into the Wolves team.
Ireland regular Doherty, who returned to Wolves in the summer, has now taken the midfielder under his wing and the 21-year-old is enjoying learning from his new mentor.
“It’s been class,” Hodge said when asked about working alongside Doherty at Wolves.
“Doc’s a great player, everyone knows that.
“He’s a good guy to have around and a good guy to learn from as well. He’s done a lot in football and is someone I can speak to whenever I need advice on something.
“He’s been class, he’s a great guy.”
When asked if Doherty is someone to look up, Hodge added: “Absolutely, he’s a hero. He’s been a hero for Wolves fans for a long time and for Ireland fans as well.
“I couldn’t ask for a better professional to look up to in the first team.”
Hodge has become frustrated at his lack of minutes for Wolves, as he is yet to play a Premier League minute this season, having now returned from a hamstring injury and played for the Ireland under-21s.
The player has already stated he will look for a move in January if he has not had an opportunity under Gary O’Neil by then.
But Doherty believes Hodge still has a good chance to make his mark at Wolves and the defender says he has liked what he has seen from the midfielder.
“I’ve been impressed with Hodgey so far, with what I’ve seen,” Doherty said.
“He’s obviously not the biggest, most dominating player in the world, but he makes up for it with how hard he works. He’s nice and tidy on the ball.
“When he was playing last year there was a chance he would be called up to the Ireland senior squad, and I don’t think that’ll be far off for him at all.
“When that does happen, he’ll be a welcome addition.
“He knows what an opportunity he has. If I had that opportunity at his age, I would have absolutely loved it.
“He has a big chance ahead of him this season.”
Doherty started for Ireland in their Euro qualifier against Gibraltar on Monday.
The defender scored one and assisted two in the 4-0 win, which came after the loss to Greece last week.
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