Stephen Gleeson insists he has nothing to prove against former club Wolves as he prepares to make his Ipswich Town home debut against the league leaders.
Gleeson began his English career with the Molineux club before being allowed to move to MK Dons in 2009 after then manager Mick McCarthy told him the honest truth - at that stage he wasn’t good enough for Championship football.
The new signing from Birmingham is set to start after Cole Skuse was ruled out with an ankle injury, but will not being doing so bearing any kind of grudge against the side he played just five times for.
“No, it’s nothing like that,” he said, when asked if he wanted to show his former employers what they are missing.
“I’ve always believed in my own ability and I always thought I could get back to at least Championship level.
“There’s no point to prove at any club I’ve ever gone back to. I know what I’m capable of and am confident in my own ability.
“Anyone who knows me knows I like to get on the ball, I like to pass it and if I can chip in with the odd goal it would be amazing.
Asked if he should have scored more than the 29 goals he has managed during his career, he replied: “Yes, definitely.
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“I don’t know the last time I scored so that would be something I am definitely looking to do – get into the box and get one or two between now and the end of the season.”
Gleeson is expecting a tough encounter against his former side and, following a succession of big-money moves for players previously based in Spain and Portugal, has been impressed with how a collection of players used to playing in warmer climates have gone about their business.
“It’s amazing to see the money they have brought in,” he said. “It’s pretty similar to Birmingham but they’ve probably done it a bit better.
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“There are a lot of good people at the club and over the winter months they might have questioned whether some of the foreign lads were up for it but they’ve been brilliant.
“I played 45 minutes against them in December and they are a great footballing side so it will definitely be a massive test on Saturday if I get on the pitch.
“It’s one to look forward to.”
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