Bruno Lage explains shock Wolves decision vs Tottenham & gives Joao Moutinho injury update

Bruno Lage has revealed scouting reports on Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur persuaded him to hand Luke Cundle his full Premier League debut.

Cundle made his first start for Wolverhampton Wanderers in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Spurs in the absence of midfield maestro Joao Moutinho.

The 19-year-old slotted in perfectly alongside Ruben Neves and Leander Dendoncker as Wolves leapfrogged their European rivals in the table.

Cundle completed 96 per cent of his passes - more than any other player on the pitch - before being replaced by Francisco Trincao in the 84th minute.

Speaking after the game, Lage explained how Spurs’ tactical set-up prompted him to include Cundle in one of Wolves’ most important games of the season.

“I decided when my scouts gave me the information about Tottenham and the way they play,” the Wolves boss said. “We needed to play with one more midfielder. Luke is playing in that position, like Joao, and he played.”

Lage has spoken very highly of Cundle throughout the season and recently moved the youngster into the first team dressing room at the club’s training ground.

He continued: “He has done very well since the beginning of the season, training very hard every time and the chance for him could have come earlier. The most important thing was he said, ‘Yes, look at me, I’m here, I can play your game’.

“It’s good for him, but now he needs to continue to work. He is only 19. We know we have a good kid in our hands, with character - now it depends on him and the way he works every day.”

Cundle filled in for Moutinho, who missed his second successive game due to a calf injury sustained in training last week.

Lage is hopeful Moutinho will be able to return for Wolves’ match with Leicester City at Molineux on