Matt Murray on former Wolves teammate: My brave, strong pal Carl Ikeme

Ikeme, aged 32, yesterday revealed he was hanging up his gloves on medical advice following his battle with cancer.

Messages of support flooded in for the Nigerian, now in remission, who was pictured smiling with Wolves senior squad at their Compton training ground. Murray, 37, said: “I am not surprised Carl has retired. It was the best news when he was in remission.

“I was gutted and disappointed for him that he missed the World Cup with Nigeria and last season with Wolves. But the bigger picture is that he is now well.

“From day one it put things in perspective what a good friend was going through. He has been overwhelmed by all the love and support that he has been given, from the players to the fans, with their banners up at Wembley and singing his name at every Wolves home game.

“And he is being positive and taking things one step at a time.”

Murray was Wolves No.1 goalkeeper when Ikeme was coming through the ranks and he fondly remembers him as a talented youngster.

“He was 16 at the time, when I was 21 in the first team, but I always remember how brave and strong he was,” said Murray. “He had fantastic feet and always wanted to play.

“He was was a real athlete and he could make some absolutely unbelievable saves.

“Carl had a steely personality but was very calm as well. I was really proud to see the ‘keeper he became.

“He was a one-man-club but spent time at different clubs on loan in order for him to play. It seems he always had to fight for his shirt, he always had to battle, but he always ended up back in the team.

“I remember how he bounced back to play a pivotal role in Wolves’ promotion season (under Kenny Jackett) and I thought he was a top, top goalkeeper.”

Ikeme began life at Wolves aged 14 coming through the club’s academy ranks. At 21 he made his senior debut for Wolves during their 5-1 win over Chester in the League Cup, in August 2005.

His breakthrough season came three years later in 2008/09 as part of Mick McCarthy’s Championship-winning side.

And Ikeme played a crucial role in the 2013/14 season when Wolves won League One.

Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia a year ago but after prolonged treatment he recently revealed he was in remission.

Murray says Ikeme will be a success at whatever he does next and he will have the full support of Wolves right behind him.

“Carl will have learned a lot from this experience,” said Murray. “It will have given him strength and made him reassess life.

“Whatever Carl does next, he will have the backing of Wolves. He is really loyal and always hardworking. When you have won a battle like this you can win other battles.”