Carl Ikeme: Aaron McCarey 'needs first team games'

Carl Ikeme has paid tribute to departing goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, saying he is 'loved by everyone' at Wolves.

McCarey was released by Wolves last week and is expected to join Scottish Premier League side Ross County.

And Ikeme, who was McCarey's team mate throughout the Irishman's six-and-a-half years at the club, was full of praise for the 24-year-old.

"I went for dinner with Azza at the end of the season," Ikeme said.

"I think he was a bit gutted but he understands at the same time that he needs to play games.

"He is such a good guy, a genuine, warm-hearted guy, and you don't meet too many of those very often.

"He just needs to start playing games more and show what we can do.

"He is loved by everyone at the club including all the lads and the staff and I have enjoyed working with him.

"I have seen him since he came over at 17 or whatever when he was a bit raw but he has always worked hard and he improved as a keeper.

"I take my hat off to him for his attitude and I am sure I will stay in touch with him and looking forward to seeing him get out there and play."

As for Ikeme, he's pleased with his contribution after what has been an eventful season for the 29-year-old.

He was dropped at the start of the campaign, then earned his first call-up to the Nigeria squad, winning seven caps and then earning back his place in the Wolves side before producing some of the best form of his career.

The popular keeper said: "I knew when I got back in I would have to keep my standards high especially after Emi (Martinez) was fit because he is a very good young goalkeeper.

"It is about staying focused and professional which I feel I have done all season and even when I wasn't in the team I was still doing the same things.

"The timing of the Nigeria call-up was out of the blue a little bit.

"I wasn't playing for Wolves at the time so it was a welcome distraction.

"Playing for Nigeria is something I love doing, in particular with the atmosphere and the love you get from the fans.

We have two games in Paris against Mali and in Luxembourg over the next week and am looking forward to joining up with the team and hopefully getting two good results."

He's looking forward to next season with Wolves – and playing in front of a buoyant Molineux atmosphere again. It has been a tough season in many aspects but we want to come back next season and have a good year and create that atmosphere on a regular basis," he added.

"When the fans get behind you like that it really does lift you and it lifted our performance on the last day.

"That is something we need to work on as a team and as a club to make sure we get the fans excited again and looking forward to coming to watch games."