LEAVING WOLVES GAVE GLEESON WAKE-UP CALL

STEPHEN GLEESON has thanked his new boss at Ipswich, Mick McCarthy, for axing him when they were both at Wolves.

Gleeson believes being shown the door at Molineux was the best thing to happen to him in his career.

The Republic of Ireland international was given his Wolves debut by McCarthy but released with the manager’s harsh words ringing in his ears.

Gleeson, 29, said: “Mick doesn’t know it but he has been the single biggest influence in my career.

“When we were at Wolves he told me I wasn’t good enough for the Championship and released me. It ® wasn’t nice to hear at the time but he did me a favour. It was the kick up the backside that I needed.

“Since then I’ve played around 400 games and what Mick told me nine or 10 years ago has been my main motivation.”

Gleeson is in line for his home debut today against Championship leaders Wolves after being snapped up on a free transfer from Birmingham last week.

He added: “I was desperate to get away. I was playing regularly under Gary Rowett and then we had three different managers in a matter of months.

Favour

“When you are working hard all week and not involved at the weekend it is the most frustrating thing in football.

“Now I’m training with a purpose, knowing that I can potentially play on a Saturday – and all I’ve ever wanted to do is play football.

“It’s amazing how things work out. Mick has done me another huge favour with this move.”

Meanwhile, Ruben Neves says Wolves are ready to shine again following a week in the sun.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo responded to his side’s first mini-wobble of the season by taking the players to Marbella for a warm-weather training camp.

“I think it was very good for us and all the team,” said Neves.

“We have enjoyed being together all day and we can improve ourselves all week and bounce back and do good things again.”