Irwin influenced by Old Trafford return

DENIS IRWIN admitted a mouth-watering return to Old Trafford in August helped him to change his mind about retiring and to continue playing with Wolves in the Premiership.

He said: “I really did think after the play-off final that everything was over. I thought that was it, that I had achieved what I came to do with Wolves. But as the weeks go by, you miss the game and you are a long time retired, something a lot of people said to me this summer.

“Then the fixtures came out and there we were third game going to Old Trafford. That’s what it’s all about. It’s a challenge again this season. Last year was a challenge to get Wolves up. We are in there with 10 or 11 other clubs who have got the same kind of challenge.

“But I’m looking forward to it and I feel fit enough to carry on for another year.”

Wolves skipper Paul Ince has urged Wolves to aim higher than mere Premiership survival after signing a new one-year contract.

The 35-year-old blew away the notion that Wolves should just be content with avoiding the drop. The former Manchester United star believes Dave Jones’ side can challenge for a mid-table position in the new season .