Tawanda Chirewa makes his Wolves intentions clear after 21-second Burnley heroics

Comeback hero Tawanda Chirewa is determined to make his mark and help Wolves secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old scored just 21 seconds after coming off the bench to complete Wolves’ comeback victory at Burnley on Friday night.

The goal helped Cesar Peixoto’s side return to winning ways after a difficult spell, and with several key players sidelined, Chirewa is eager to seize his opportunity.

He said: “I have been here for a few years now. I have been waiting for these moments to kick on.

“Coming into this season with a new manager, I knew this was a moment where I can really help this team to get back to the Premier League and set myself in this team.

“Maybe the season hasn’t gone straight up, and I have not been in the team from the first game. But I have been building and building.

“I knew it was a big moment having lost our two strikers. I am ready to kick on and I am focused on Tuesday now. I want to help this team to go up. That’s my main focus.”

Chirewa had made just three brief substitute appearances in the Championship this season before his decisive contribution at Turf Moor.

He replaced teenage loanee Sean Neave, who had led the line in the absence of Raul Jimenez and Adam Armstrong. And Chirewa is confident he can help fill the void.

“They’re big players for us, but I know what I can do,” he added.

“I’m willing to do whatever the manager wants me to do. If it’s me I‘m 100 per cent ready and I’ll take it with both hands.”

The strike was Chirewa’s first for Wolves since joining from Ipswich Town in 2023. After several loan spells in recent seasons, the Zimbabwe international is determined to make his opportunity count at Molineux.

“I’m not going to lie and say the season has been amazing for me,” Chirewa said. “I think I started off well when I played and felt as though I had a good impact.

“Obviously, there was a spell when I didn’t play for a few games or wasn’t in the squad.

“Today, I knew before the game it was a big one because of the injuries we had. The team needed more attacking threat, and I felt as though I had been ready this season. I just hope I gave the manager something to think about.

“The squad is big, so I know it’s not going to be easy, but I made an impact. Everyone has to go out there and give everything, so I’m going to do whatever it takes.”