WOLVES prospect Aaron McCarey believes his experience of first-team football in the League of Ireland First Division helped him make rapid progress with his English Premier League club.
The teenager made 15 appearances for Mick Cooke's Monaghan side in the 2009 season before moving to Wolves in a deal which could be worth €200,000 to the Ulster club, depending on the player's progress.
McCarey insists trips to places such as Waterford and Limerick were the ideal grounding in the game.
"To come over here with so many first-team games under my belt was a big bonus for me," said McCarey.
"I wouldn't be here today without Monaghan United and I have a lot to thank them for. Playing in the league at home helped."