Steve Morgan predicts new stars at Wolves

Wolves owner Steve Morgan today predicted the new Molineux will be graced by the next Robbie Keane and Joleon Lescott as he tipped a 'golden generation' of home-grown stars to emerge.

Morgan believes the current academy crop are Wolves' best in years and the £40m redevelopment will go hand in hand with the emergence of several academy players challenging for first-team places in the near future.

Keane was arguably Wolves' most talented homegrown player since Peter Knowles in the 1960s before being sold for a club record £6m, aged 19.

The 30-year-old, currently on loan from Tottenham at West Ham, has commanded total fees of over £70m and won over 100 caps for Ireland.

England defender Lescott was probably Wolves' best home-grown stopper since the 1950s before a £5m switch to Everton and a £24m move to Manchester City.

"I look at some of our young crop, and I see some of our best young players we've had at this club for years," said Morgan.

"I would hope we've got another Robbie Keane or Joleon Lescott in there. I'm more confident now that in two or three years' time, we'll have academy-bred first-team players on that pitch.

"We've got some 15, 16 and 17-year-olds who are the best we've had for years. I look at the academy squad we've got now and feel very confident that it's stronger than it's ever been since I've been here."

Central defender Danny Batth, midfielder David Davis and strikers or widemen Sam Winnall and Ashley Hemmings have all travelled with the senior squad this season.

Defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell and striker James Spray are two more Wolves have high hopes for, while winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is performing well on loan at Peterborough.

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