Bruno Lage gives full backing to Wolves' Chem Campbell

Bruno Lage has urged Wolves youngster Chem Campbell not to give up on his fight for more first-team minutes after making his Premier League debut.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Bruno Lage (right) gestures on the touchline during the Premier League match at St James' Park, Newcastle. Picture date: Friday April 8, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Newcastle. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

The 19-year-old winger came off the bench against Newcastle for his top-flight bow ahead of fellow youngster and January signing Chiquinho.

The pair have been battling for minutes and Lage has often chosen Chiquinho ahead of him – handing him six appearances so far this season.

But the head coach insists that both wingers are in his thoughts as he reiterates his belief in Campbell’s ability.

“I put Chiquinho and Chem at the same level,” Lage said. “Chem has worked a lot with us but when we have a space on the bench I prefer Chiquinho instead of Chem because Chiquinho can play as an attacking right-back.

“I put both kids in the same position and we don’t drop Chem. He’s having a fantastic season for the under-23s and is scoring goals. We believe a lot in him.

“Chiquinho, every time he has a chance, he shows things. He has five minutes but gives everything for the club, that’s the character, personality and ambition that I like in young players. Every chance they have they take.

“After he deserves more. We have a lot of players who deserve more and some that think they deserve more but we’re here to provocate them because the best they are doing is not enough. They need to up their level.”