The Return Of the Wing

Wolves have a history of offering players a last chance saloon. The likes of Alex Rae and Derek Doogan are now joined by Michael McIndoe in having come to Molineux with a point to prove, and is going about that task as good as any.

Currently ranked as the divisions 6th best provider by assists, he is carving out a place for himself on the wing, and is one of the first names on Mick McCarthy's team sheet these days.

But it hasn't always been like that for the at times wayward winger. A stormy time at Luton ended in 2000 amid drinking and gambling problems, that saw him spend most of the next five seasons in the lower leagues.

Earlier this week, 27 year old Michael opened up to the E&S about his tempestuous time at Kenilworth Road, and his return to the club where he started his career.

"There is a lot of history for me at Luton," he said.

"There were a few instances of off-the-field things that have been well-documented but that was all a long time ago now - I was only 19. I know talking about it like that makes it seem like they were a small matter and I know it wasn`t.

"But looking back I think it was a great thing because whenever anything goes wrong in your life it is about how you bounce back. That last year at Luton was a bad year but hopefully when I look back it will pale into insignificance because I`ve had ten or 15 great years as a footballer."

McIndoe can thank Mick McCarthy for resurrecting his career, and is aware of how close he came to throwing away his talent, and is looking forward to renewing old friendships with some of the Luton back room staff this afternoon..

"I know I`m very lucky to have a second chance to make it. A lot of players have to confront these kind of problems at the age of 35 and there is no time to resurrect their career," he said.

"There will be a few faces I recognise when I go back - the club secretary and the old manager. I`ve got nothing but praise for them because they looked after me when I needed them to.

Whether or not the current Luton back four manages to look after him this afternoon could hold the key to a phenomenal fifth win out of five for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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