Wolves ready to unleash academy star
Gary O’Neil says he will have to manage Nathan Fraser’s minutes but will not be afraid to throw the Wolves youngster into more Premier League games.
The 18-year-old was being courted by a number of clubs for a loan in January, including Shrewsbury Town, but stayed with Wolves after they failed to bring in a striker of their own.
A late substitute appearance against Manchester United was followed by 45 minutes against Brentford, and O’Neil says he will continue to give Fraser minutes at the right time.
“He will be thrown in to get some footballing experience in the Premier League, with where we are at this moment,” O’Neil said.
“With actual number nines, him and Channy are really the only two at the club. Jean does a decent job for us there and is working really hard at it.
“Nathan will get some opportunities that maybe he didn’t expect to get at this point in his career. It’s an incredible experience for him.
“I’ll have a really clear understanding of where Nathan is, what he needs and when he needs exposure and when he needs protecting.
“It’s always with the best interests of the group at heart and trying to progress the football club.”
On how Fraser has impressed, O’Neil added: “He’s been around a lot of the work we do so he understands the structure and what we’re trying to do.
“That gives him a good chance. The fact he’s unbelievably willing, incredibly determined and has some quality, gives him a chance of being able to impact games.
“It is a big ask for him. He’s 18 and not played a great deal of senior football, but he’s going to get some opportunities and we’ll find out exactly where he is.”
Fraser has scored in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup for Wolves this season after stepping up from the academy, before finally getting his top-flight debut against United.
With Wolves’ limited options in the forward areas, Fraser is expected to get more games before the end of the season, before a potential loan next campaign.
“I love it, to be honest,” Fraser said on playing in the Premier League. “To be on the pitch and come on is nerve-wracking, but you get out there and it’s fun.
“It’s good to be out there and it gives you a lot of confidence when you come on the pitch. I don’t feel like it’s out of my depth.
“When I come on, I feel like I can be comfortable and with improvements and working hard every day, I can get to this level.”
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