Sam Vokes happy with international responsibility

Oct 10 2008 by Brian Halford, Birmingham Mail

WOLVES protege Sam Vokes was today gearing up for another World Cup double-header with Wales - at home to Liechstenstein tomorrow followed by the daunting visit to Germany next Wednesday.

And as the 18-year-old considered the prospect of leading his country’s attack in two huge games, he insisted he is “comfortable” with such a responsibility so early in his career.

Vokes is relishing the far higher profile which accompanied his summer move from League Two side Bournemouth to Wolves.

And, having scored Wales’ winner in the World Cup qualifier with Azerbaijan last month, and then played in their unlucky 2-1 defeat in Russia, the young striker can’t wait for these next two tests to arrive.

“These two are massive games, just the same as the two we had to start the group with,” Vokes said.

“We need to pick points up against Liechenstein, like we did Azerbaijan in the first game, and then perform in Germany like we did in Russia.

“We put everything up against Russia and played really well there and deserved at least a draw. It was a real choker to lose to a late goal but if we can play to the same standard in Germany it would be great.”

Already this season Vokes has proved for both club and country that he possesses a real goalscoring instinct.

He bagged that late winner for the Red Dragons against Azerbaijan while, for Wolves, he popped up with an equaliser at Plymouth and two goals to clinch the 3-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

That day in south London, the teenager found himself besieged, post-match, by a posse of hungry national media.

It is a lot to take in for a player who does not turn 19 until later this month but Southampton-born Vokes is well-grounded.

“Personally, what with Wolves and Wales, there’s a lot happening for me at the moment,” he said. “But you just have to take it all in your stride.

“There is a lot going on with my move up to the Black Country as well. But it’s all good - I just love it.

“I am comfortable with what’s involved in coming to a big club like Wolves.

‘‘It is a big step up for me but having a lot more attention is all part and parcel of the game if you are doing well.”