Ian Harte has set his sights on repaying Mick McCarthy by winning a contract at Wolves.
The 30-year-old left-back checked in at Compton yesterday for a two-week trial following his release from Sunderland.
Harte, who called McCarthy to ask for a trial, is keen to play after just eight League games at the Stadium of Light in 2007-08.
That followed a three-year stint in Spain with Levante after making his name as part of the exciting Leeds team of the late 1990s, earning 64 caps for the Republic of Ireland in the process.
He said: “I know Mick from the international scene. He gave me around 50 of my caps and that was a time when I was playing more for my country than my club at Leeds.
“I respect him highly and he knows how to get the best out of me.”
Harte refutes suggestions that his best times are behind as he searches for a new club.
He said: “Because I got in the Leeds team when I was 18, people sometimes think I’m older than I am.
“I’ve had a really good career so far but hopefully I’ve got a few more highlights to come. It would be nice to have them here.
“I believe I’ve got plenty more offer but that’s up to Mick. I’m here for a couple of weeks and I feel good.
“I’ve been training on my own over the summer but it’s not the same as being with a bunch of lads.
“We did a bit of football yesterday which felt pretty good. I’m definitely enjoying it.”
Harte hopes to get his chance to impress against Hereford tomorrow then on the three-match tour of Scotland, which departs on Saturday.
He said: “I’m here for two weeks so hopefully I can impress and then we’ll see what happens.
“Hopefully I can be one of the players that helps push this club forward if I get the chance.
“I know a few of the lads already, like Micky Gray and some of the younger Irish lads, so it was good to meet the others yesterday.
“It looks like a very good squad with a lot of younger players here so hopefully I could add a bit of experience.
“It’s up to Mick but if I get the chance I’ll have to make sure I’m ready.”
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