Express & Star

Steve Bull: Morgan Gibbs-White can thrive under guidance from Nuno

Morgan Gibbs-White has not looked out of place, at all, in his recent appearances as a substitute for Wolves.

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Morgan Gibbs-White (AMA/Sam Bagnall)

The 18-year-old midfielder, from Stafford, is a class act. Of course, he is only a young lad and has a lot to learn but I think I speak for all Wolves fans in saying that I like what I’ve seen from him so far.

You will see a lot of young players really eager to impress when they get the chance, but some can get too eager and a bit worked up.

Morgan seems to have a mature head on his shoulders, he is a natural. He has a great engine too.

And I like the way Nuno Espirito Santo has brought him into the fold, giving him 20-30 minutes on a regular basis – to give him a taste of what it is all like.

Nuno has done it to find out whether he is up to the task, and he certainly is.

That being said, I would not chuck him in from the start at Fulham today in the absence of Ruben Neves, who is suspended.

There is a lot of responsibility there, starting in the middle of the park, and I would avoid doing that just yet.

Romain Saiss is obviously more experienced and will most likely play alongside Alfred N’Diaye.

I think the best approach is to keep giving Morgan half an hour or so as he has the ability to unpick defences as they tire.

Then, with a full pre-season under his belt, I would look at giving him some more starts next season.

There is no need to rush with him and place too much expectation on him. He has a lot of time on his side.

Saiss for Neves – an enforced change – is the only switch I’d make for the game at Craven Cottage today.

Benik Afobe and Leo Bonatini could both do with a goal but the front three of Diogo Jota, Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa helped us go 2-0 up against Norwich in midweek. I think that front three is spot on.

The Canaries pegged us back of course late on but there is no need to panic.

Fulham are a good side, desperate to beat us, and it’ll be a tough game – but the Wolves players just need to focus on themselves. They just need to make sure they keep their feet firmly on the gas for the whole 90 minutes.