Shropshire Star

Morgan Gibbs-White pinching himself after stellar year for Wolves and England

Morgan Gibbs-White says he's still pinching himself at his dream year with Wolves and England.

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Morgan Gibbs-White picks up his award from board directors John Bowater (left) and John Gough (© AMA / Sam Bagnall)

The 18-year-old academy graduate topped off his 2017/18 campaign by winning the young professional of the season award at Tuesday's awards.

Gibbs-White won the Under-17 World Cup with England last October and then broke into the first team squad under Nuno Espirito Santo, making 15 appearances in total.

"I'm massively pinching myself because at the start of pre-season I was on crutches!" Gibbs-White said.

"The last time we were at the show I was hobbling up the stairs on crutches. Then, to go to the World Cup still unfit and win it is crazy.

"Then to go through the whole season trying to get into the first team with Nuno and him giving me a chance just shows there's a big space for young academy players to push through.

"It's unbelievable, everyone's been non-stop. We haven't had time to chill or relax.

"Summer's coming now so we get to go on holiday and relax and get the sun.

"It's an honour to win young professional of the season.

Gibbs-White made his first league start of the season on the final day against Sunderland (© AMA / Sam Bagnall)

"I want to thank all my family and friends and the fans at Wolves that have helped me get to where I am today and hopefully there's a lot more to come.

"Hopefully, but we'll have to see what comes in the future!

"It's a dream for me to win something bigger and better."

Gibbs-White will now look to keep himself in Nuno's plans for the Premier League.

As for Wolves' target in the top flight, he said: "Just try and win as many games as we can. It's going to be a big task for us going into the Premier League and a new task for most of the players.

"We'll take it as it comes."

Plaudits were handed out to Gibbs-White in a video compiled for the ceremony.

Gareth Prosser (academy manager)

"I don't think there's a better story that any academy can have, to have a boy from so young achieve so much by the age of 18."

Conor Coady

"Morgan is going to be top, top drawer, I think you can tell from the way he plays and how he does things. He's a great lad.

"Wolves supporters want to see Morgan doing well, more than any of us. It's one of those where he have to live up to the type – he went to the World Cup and won it with England."

Kevin Thelwell (sporting director)

"He's got very strong desire, very strong mentality to be the very, very best. And also he's a highly technical player."

Matt Doherty

"For me he can play central midfield or number 10. He's obviously very good on the ball, he can create chances and slide people in. He's got great vision."

Danny Batth

"He's been a breath of fresh air, he's been outstanding in training, he's one of the players you want on your team in a five-a-side, he's so energetic.

"He's had a lot of opportunities from the bench this season which at his age in a team that's top of the Championship and winning games every week is a tribute to the manager's faith in him and what he can bring to the team."

Barry Douglas

"He's got raw talent just now. He's just enjoying his football, he plays with freedom and a lot of self belief."

Darren Ryan (U18s boss)

"He's got to maintain the standards which he's set himself and I think he will.

"Knowing Morgan from all the years I've worked with him, he's level headed and he'll want to be the best he can."

Laurie Dalrymple (managing director)

"We think he's a star player and that's why we've worked hard to ensure we retain his services and keep him committed to the club for a long time to come.

"We see he's got an extremely positive future."