Bruno Lage explains why Hwang started ahead of Pedro Neto at Burnley

Bruno Lage insists Pedro Neto still isn’t ready to start games after benching the winger for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defeat to Burnley.

Last season’s player of the year has only started once in the Premier League since returning from a long-term knee injury in February. In addition to his start against Crystal Palace at the beginning of March, Neto has made a further seven appearances as a substitute.

His latest outing arrived at Turf Moor when he was introduced as a 67th minute substitute, shortly after Matej Vydra had scored the decisive goal for Burnley. Neto added some much-needed speed to Wolves’ attack, but he wasn’t able to inspire a comeback.

And Lage, who again selected out-of-form forward Hwang Hee-chan ahead of Neto, admits the 22-year-old wasn't ready to play more than half-an-hour. “The time is 30 minutes so we can see what happens,” said Lage.

“We don’t want to press anyone. He had 30 minutes more time and one more week to work. We want to help put Pedro at the level he played in the past.”

Neto picked up a few niggles after returning to action in February, ruling him out of matches with Everton and Leeds United in March, so Lage is keen to err on the side of caution with his compatriot. Wolves have five games remaining in their bid to secure European football after losing for the sixth time in nine games on Sunday.