Gleeson tipped to break through
Wolves rookie Stephen Gleeson has been backed to become the next homegrown fans' favourite – by someone whose place he might threaten.
Gleeson is now closing in on a first team place again, after being overlooked in central midfield for a couple of years.
The 20-year-old made a breakthrough in boss Mick McCarthy's first season when he also became one of the youngest players to win a full cap for the Republic of Ireland, only to fall in the pecking order behind Karl Henry and subsequently Dave Jones, Dave Edwards and now on-loan Nigel Quashie.
Gleeson instead gained first team experience at League One Stockport, helping County to promotion via the play-offs in 41 league games over three loan spells at Edgeley Park, including 21 this season.
Now Edwards, one of the players blocking his route to Wolves' first team, believes he will get his chance again – and will wow the fans.
He said: "Stephen Gleeson is a terrific player. I think Wolves fans are really going to take to him when he comes through into the first team because he's a great player in the making
"I'm sure if two of us got injured and it came to the crunch, I don't think the gaffer would bring anyone in. I'm sure he's got more than enough faith in 'Glees' because he's a terrific player.
"He's seen how good he's been on loan at Stockport and he's a player who's desperate for his chance as well. He's a very good footballer and he's a nice lad who works hard as well."
Edwards admits he can't believe Wolves' gruelling promotion campaign is into the final straight as they prepared to host basement side Charlton today.
McCarthy's side have been top since October and, but for a two-week spell that month, since August 30.
The 22-year-old said: "Every now and again we have to pinch ourselves that there are only eight games to go. It seems to have shot by since Christmas.
"I know we went on that bad run, but the games have come thick and fast and now we're into the business end of the season, we've got to just concentrate on only the next game.
"We'll do that with Charlton. We'll try to win that game and we won't think any further ahead.
"Each win will bring us that little bit closer to the Premier League."
