Jordan Spence knows just how Stephen Gleeson feels as the midfielder bids to turn his short-term contract into a long-term deal at Ipswich Town.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jordan Spence has been impressed by Stephen Gleeson. Picture: STEVE WALLERJordan Spence has been impressed by Stephen Gleeson. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Gleeson arrived from Birmingham on January 19 on a deal until the end of the campaign, just as Spence did nearly a year ago following a spell of six months without a club.

The two played together at MK Dons for two seasons earlier in their careers and, rather than trying to prove anybody wrong, Spence believes Gleeson will be doing all he can to repay the faith shown by those who have supported him during his time on the sidelines at St Andrew’s.

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“Glees is a really good footballer,” Spence said. “I’ve seen clips from the Bolton game and then against Wolves we’ve seen he’s a really good footballer at this level. He’s a welcome addition and I’m sure as he continues to get more and more games under his belt then he’ll improve.

“I felt that same way last year when I came in. There’s the emphasis that he might want to prove a few people wrong but I know from my mindset I was just trying to prove the people who believed in me right – those who have supported me along that journey.

“He’s got nothing to prove other than getting himself back fit and, when he does, the rest will take care of itself.”

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With the transfer window due to close today, Spence insisted he and the majority of the Ipswich Town squad have not let speculation regarding their team-mates futures effect them.

“I can’t speak for everyone else but I don’t pay too much attention to all of that stuff,” he said. “What will be will be.

“I only try and focus on what I can change and adopt and of course, sometimes, you see the interest that happens. But at the end of the day it’s 11 men v 11 men every Saturday and Tuesday and that’s what I try and concentrate on.”

Spence was, though, pleased to see his employers secure the future of goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski until 2020.

“He’s okay, isn’t he?’ Spence joked.

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“It goes without saying that he’s a top goalkeeper. He makes great saves and great positions.

“I’m pleased for him that he’s found circumstances he’s happy with and hopefully we can move forward and he can be between the sticks for us for a long time.”