Stephen Gleeson has returned to Stockport for a third loan spell in a deal which will last until the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old Irish midfielder has already enjoyed two successful stays at Edgeley Park and will return on a window-to-window loan to pick up more match experience.

His first loan spell took place from November 2006 until February 2007, when he scored two goals in 16 appearances and was such a success that the Stockport fans marked his last appearance at Hereford as "Stephen Gleeson day".

On returning to Molineux he made four first team appearances as a substitute, including coming off the bench in the play-off semi final second leg at West Bromwich Albion.

Last season he made his first Wolves start in the Carling Cup defeat against Morecambe before a loan stint with Hereford earlier this year.

He then returned to Stockport in March for a loan spell that took him to the end of the season, with his 11 appearances including starting the play-off final win against Rochdale at Wembley.

Stephen had previously scored a crucial and spectacular goal in the first leg of the semi final with Wycombe.

With negotations underway, he was allowed special dispensation to feature in Stockport's friendly with Manchester City last weekend when he completed the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw.

Stockport travel to Huddersfield for their first game of the League One season tomorrow but Stephen's participation depends on whether he has recovered from a slight toe injury.

His departure on loan is part of the continuing strategy of young Wolves prospects picking up valuable experience elsewhere, with Elliott Bennett having joined Bury and Lee Collins gone to Port Vale.