Joe Hodge has completed a loan move to Championship side QPR until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 21-year-old returned from injury in the autumn and, after helping Wolves into the FA Cup fourth round against Brentford recently, now heads out to the Hoops in search of regular football.
Hodge, who joined the club from Manchester City in 2021, integrated into the Wolves first-team last season, playing 11 times, including in the Premier League on six occasions, providing bite and energy to the midfield.
An unfortunate hamstring injury suffered in the Carabao Cup back in August delayed his progress this term, but Hodge was given a start in the 3-2 win over Brentford – one of 14 matchday squads he’s been named in under Gary O’Neil.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international now embarks on the first loan of his Wolves career to QPR, who are bidding to steer clear of relegation trouble and face Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.
Head coach Gary O’Neil said: “Centre midfield, unless we have a disastrous spell, is a position where we’re fairly well covered. We generally play with two and Bouba won’t be away for too long now. We have Joao, Mario and Tommy, who’ve all been excellent, and Bouba to come back, who has also had some real good games for us. It’s the one area of the field where we probably could to let Joe go.
“He’s really keen to play. He’s at the point in his career where I think he needs to, and I can’t guarantee he will here. He’s been allowed to go and play in the Championship, which is a good level to help him progress."
