Big future predicted for full Wolves debutant Morgan Gibbs-White

The 17-year-old from Stafford made his full professional bow when Lambert named him in his XI for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Bristol City.

Attacking midfielder Gibbs-White had previous made five substitute appearances in Wolves colours. He is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to come out of the Wolves academy in years.

And within 10 minutes he’d almost set up a goal after playing an ‘exceptional’ through ball to Nouha Dicko, in Lambert’s words.

The boss added: “I decided to put Morgan in and I think I can handle it, he can handle the occasion.

“The pass for Dicko was an exceptional pass. I’m delighted for him getting his first start but it’s not a gift or a prize for him or how well he trains...I think he can do it.

“He’s a really big talent, 17 years old, it’s great for the future of the club.

“If I see a young player that’s exciting and can make things happen...he’s earned it, he’s there on merit.

Credit to him for waking his way in, same as Connor (Ronan), Bright (Enobakhare), Harry (Burgoyne), people like that.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re young – if I think you’re good enough I’ll throw you in.”

Lambert was even younger than Gibbs-White when he made his first-team debut back in 1986, aged just 16.

The faith showed by his manager Alex Miller has led him to have little hesitation in blooding young players, the Wolves boss stated.

“I made my debut when I was 15 in a friendly game and my first team debut when I was 16,” he added.

“I think I was still at school, then I was on the bench

“How would I know I could make it as a footballer without his faith and trust in me.

“I’m always grateful for doing that. They had great belief in young players.”

Apart from Gibbs-White’s debut the main positive at Ashton Gate was a goal from Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.

He had gone 35 appearances without finding the net – a barren run of seven month and 20 days.

Lambert said of the striker: “It was good for Bodvarsson to score. Seven months, for a striker...it’s good for him and his confidence.

“Nobody ever questions his work rate because it’s terrific.

“If Jon could add some goals for himself as well as the team he’ll be a better player for it.”