Stephen Gleeson

Stephen Gleeson (born August 3, 1988 in Dublin, County Dublin) is an Republic of Ireland professional Association football, currently playing for Stockport County F.C., on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C..

Club career

Gleeson played for Cherry Orchard F.C. before moving to England. A midfield playmaker, Gleeson impressed then Wolves boss Glenn Hoddle sufficiently to receive a new three-year contract at the start of May 2006 having come up through the Wolves Academy.
In the 2006-07 in English football he went on loan to Stockport County F.C. for three months, making his senior debut on 11 November 2006 in a 2-1 victory at Exeter City F.C. in the FA Cup. He impressed at County, scoring two goals from midfield and playing an influential part in their nine match winning streak, without conceding a goal.

On returning to Wolves, he made four substitute appearances, including their play-off semi-final 2nd leg defeat at West Bromwich Albion F.C.. The following season saw his only first team appearance for the club come in a Football League Cup game.

To gain playing time, he joined Football League Two Hereford United F.C. on 21 February 2008 on a month's loan.

After spending a couple of days back with his home club, Gleeson returned on loan to Stockport County on 26 March 2008 until the end of the 2007-08 in English football. His first goal since his return to Edgeley Park was a 25-yard volley at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. in their play-off tie that ultimately saw them reach the final. Gleeson then appeared in the Wembley Stadium final that saw the club win promotion to Football League One after beating Rochdale F.C..

His association with Stockport will continue again during the 2008/09 season as he will spend the first half of the campaign on loan again with them.

International career

Gleeson was called up to the Irish Under 19 squad for a friendly tournament in La Manga in February 2006, despite being a year younger than most of his colleagues, and was also named in the squad for the Under-19 European Championship qualifying rounds in May 2006. He also represented his country at Republic of Ireland under-21 national football team, scoring twice on his debut, a 2-2 draw against Germany national under-21 football team on 21 August 2007.

Gleeson made his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland national football team against Ecuador national football team on 23 May 2007 in a 1-1 friendly draw at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey, United States.