Malone has the taste for more

The 18-year-old made his bow in Monday's 2-1 friendly win against Wexford Youths, playing 68 minutes before being replaced by George Elokobi.

Malone, who has four caps for the England Under-19s, showed his quality by advancing to feed Nenad Milijas to set up the first goal for Stefan Maierhofer.

With a debate among fans surrounding Elokobi's suitability, Malone's debut has come under the spotlight more than it otherwise might have done.

But the Rowley Regis-born rookie, who has already captained Wolves Reserves against Saturday's opponents Arsenal this season, is clearly on boss Mick McCarthy's radar after having his appetite whetted on the trip.

The youngster said: "That's the first senior game I've started. I've been saying I've been hoping to get some chances and I hope I've taken that one by playing well.

"Hopefully the gaffer was pleased. He'd told me to push on in the second-half, which is probably the part of the game I'm best at. Fortunately I managed to set up the first goal which was nice."

Malone has had a whirlwind few months after signing his first pro contract before joining Hungarian team Ujpest on loan for the rest of the season.

The young full-back is convinced the experience can only stand him in good stead.

He said: "It was a great experience for myself and Ashley Hemmings to have a couple of days away with the senior group.

"You get to mingle with them and talk to them a bit more and it just helps when you try to prove you can play in the team with them.

"It can only be of benefit for us when we hope to be involved with the first team set-up in the future.

"When you come into this level you have to be confident and make sure you do your best to show what you can do.

"I'm still very young but it's been great to be involved travelling with the team for away games and now playing in a friendly.

"It really helps in the learning process and it's all positives to take away."