IRISH UNDERAGE INTERNATIONAL Connor Ronan has been dealt a cruel injury blow after suffering a stress fracture in his back which is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season.
The 18-year-old, who featured for Wolves during their recent FA Cup defeat to Chelsea, made his league debut for the club in December and has quickly established himself under Paul Lambert.
However, he now faces a battle to be back before the end of the campaign with Lambert this morning revealing the midfielder will be out ‘for a good few months.’
Ronan has represented Ireland at U17 and U19 level and joined Wolves at the age of 16, before going onto captain the Championship club’s development team squad earlier this term.
His performances in the EFL Trophy earned him a call-up to the senior squad by Lambert and his senior bow came in December’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. He has since made four league appearances, including three starts.
Speaking after last week’s win over Wigan Athletic, Lambert was full of praise for Ronan.
“He’s a big talent coming through,” the Wolves manager said. ”He’s been terrific in the three games he’s played for us.
“His general game is really good and he’s only 18. Again, the club’s unearthed a talent who, touch wood, has a big part in the future of this club.
“He’s one of those kids that I’ve got to the stage where I think – and it’s the same when you watch the under-23s as well – you know exactly what you’re getting from him.
“When he doesn’t perform, that’s a shock. He’s created that himself. He’s comfortable in the first team environment and he thriving on it.
“The players know how good he is and he has the respect of the senior guys, which is important. They know he can play and he’s a terrific passer and has his set plays.”
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