It was a day Elliot Embleton will never forget.
The Durham-born midfielder replaced Lynden Gooch at Molineux as he became the second academy youngster to make his first-team debut this season.
Following in the footsteps of Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman who have cemented their place in the senior spectrum this season, Embleton has become the latest academy graduate to make his first appearance after Ethan Robson debuted at Everton in the Carabao Cup.
Elliot, congratulations - can you put it into words what Saturday meant for you?
EE: It was unbelievable. It is what I have dreamt about as a kid and having been so close a few times, but not getting on, it has been something I’ve waited a long time for. When I got the chance to come on it was special.
What was the moment like when the gaffer turned around and told you to get ready?
EE: I was buzzing. I just wanted to get on and get my first minutes on the pitch. I couldn’t believe it, I was just really happy.
And I’m sure it was a proud moment for your family also?
EE: Yeah, my family and I have worked hard for a few years to get to this level. To get on and play for the first team just tops everything off that I have been doing. But I have got to keep on working hard now and hopefully I can get some more minutes.
Since I’ve been at the club a lot of people have spoken extremely highly of you. Your rise from the under-18s to the first team has been quite extraordinary – how have you found the different levels?
EE: It’s just about progression and trying to get better and better. You need to get better at each stage, obviously from the under-18s to the under-23s and then to the first-team. I’ve just got to keep working hard now.
A lot of youngsters are coming through the club at the minute, it seems to be a great time to be at the academy…
EE: Yeah, there are a lot of youngsters in and around it but also (Lynden) Gooch and (George) Honeyman are there and playing regularly. It shows the manager isn’t afraid to play the young lads.
How has the new gaffer been since coming to the club for you?
EE: He has been great. He has helped me out with a few things and brought me into first-team training. He has brought me along a lot but I need to keep working hard and hopefully I will get another chance soon.