Wolves midfielder Bruno Jordao commended for 'drive, personality and character'

Jordao is in the final year of his contract and is surplus to requirements at Wolves but after failing to secure a move away, the midfielder has been playing regularly with the under-21s and played 90 minutes in the win over PSV at Molineux on Monday night.

"He's been excellent with his attitude and character around the group," Collins said of Jordao.

"It's very difficult for senior players who get a bit lost because they don't quite know where they're going next, and it can be a messy time for them.

"That can then rub off on their attitude which then means they're a pain for us at under-21 level, but he's not been at all. He's shown drive, personality and character.

"One or two of his early games with us weren't up to his high standards and he was quick to text me and apologise, but I said 'no, you don't need to. You haven't had much football and it takes a while to get back to it'.

"I said to him before the game, 'tonight will be how we judge you, because you're now fit, playing games and we'll see what you're about' – and I thought he was excellent.

"Matty Whittingham did really well to support him in the moments where Bruno can go off, Matty held his position and structure really well. That pair in midfield did really well."

Enso Gonzalez also played in the International Cup on Monday, in his first Molineux appearance since arriving in the summer.

The winger, who is still learning English, was being helped on the sidelines by under-18s assistant James McPike, who has been learning Spanish using language app Duolingo for more than three-and-a-half years.

"It's very difficult for Enso in a new country not being able to communicate with us, and us with him," Collins added.

"In football, with tactics boards and videos, you can get the message across and get him to understand tactical structure.

"But that personal touch of how he's feeling is missing. He was a little bit nervous tonight, with his first game under the lights, and I wouldn't have thought that until he (McPike) told me he was, because he spoke to him.

"That personal touch helps him and I give great credit to James McPike for developing himself.

"In modern football they come from all around the world and fair play to him, it's really impressive to see. He's been a big help and I thank him for that.

"It does inspire you to do it, but I remember what I was like at school, I was hopeless!

"It's a big help. We're trying to get one or two per cents and that gives you the little one per cent.

"I'd also add, to see the gaffer (Gary O'Neil) here is a real lift for the players. It's great to see.

"It's happened one or two times before and the gaffer is a real support to the boys. Hopefully he's seen some players that might give him food for thought at some point."