Irish dream for ambitious Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge

As someone eager to force his way into the senior Ireland squad, Hodge says it was proud moment to feature at the national stadium.

“I loved it, it was fantastic, with all my family here,” he said. “It’s a place I’ve wanted to play football at for a long time and hopefully I’ll get a lot more games here in the future.

“I’ve dreamed of playing here and I want to play here in a green jersey soon, so to play here for the first time was a proud moment for me and hopefully everyone watching me.

“I’ve said it a few times, I want to be in the senior squad, and hopefully I can get there. It’s not easy because the squad is strong, especially in midfield with players playing at good clubs.

“But that’s my ambition and I’m looking to do that as soon as I can.”

Wolves enjoyed a mixed afternoon after a difficult first half, but equalised through a late Matheus Cunha penalty.

Hodge added: “It was a tough game. The first half especially, they showed a bit of quality and we took a while to adapt to the speed of the game. But it was important minutes for us and in the second half we definitely improved. We’re two weeks away (from the start of the Premier League season) and we still have more games to come to sharpen up a bit.

“That first half showed it really, we’re not quite at the level we want to be at to take on the Premier League, but I think we’re getting there.

“I got a few good minutes in the week as well, so the more minutes I get the better form I’ll be in going into the season. Hopefully I can take these chances and get more minutes this season.

“I feel like I’ve been training well and I came in fit in pre-season. I’m glad the gaffer has given me some minutes and I’m grateful for that.

“Hopefully I can keep getting some more and get more going into the season.

“He wants me to work hard, do what I’m good at and keep it simple. I’m listening to him and to what the more senior players are telling me, to improve.”

Hodge was potentially earmarked for a loan move this summer, but small injuries in midfield and a lack of signings mean he has played an integral role in pre-season.

Now, the 20-year-old is ready to stake his claim in the Premier League if given the chance.

He said: “While I’m playing games, and I’ve played a lot of minutes in pre-season, I’m completely focused on being here and trying to force my way into the team.

“I want to play for Wolves and I want to play in the Premier League, so while I have an opportunity to do that, I’ll do everything I can to try and get into the team.

“If someone comes to me and says they have a loan for me and wants me to go, then if they think that’s best for me I’ll 100 per cent take that on and play football, but right now I’m just working as hard as I can and I want to play here.”