Paul Corry: Wolves debut for Ireland U21s' Joe Hodge 'bodes well'

When it comes to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Irish interest, Nathan Collins has dominated the headlines since his big money move in the summer.

Connor Ronan's situation has also been one to watch having not been loaned out for the first half of this season.

But on Saturday, Ireland U21 international Joe Hodge made a notable debut for the Premier League side against Chelsea.

The 20-year-old former Manchester City academy product, who also had a loan spell at Derry City cut short by injury last year, came on as a half-time substitute at Stamford Bridge during Wolves' eventual 3-0 defeat, replacing Goncalo Guedes.

His 45-minute cameo was enough to impress The Guardian who noted that the Mancheser-born midfielder "looks like a player to whom Wolves's next manager – expected by most to be Julen Lopetegui – should give more minutes in the coming weeks and months".

Ex-UCD, Sheffield Wednesday and Shamrock Rovers midfielder Paul Corry was on hand to watch Hodge's English top flight debut in west London and he relayed his findings back to this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast.

Listen to the full discussion on this week's podcast:

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"I thought when he came on the other day, he did really, really well," he said.

"Ruben Neves is out injured at this moment in time so it's actually presented an opportunity for him to come in and he did himself justice.

"He held his own really well against a strong Chelsea midfield and he brought a bit of intensity and forward thinking to their play.

"It bodes well for him and for