Jody Craddock has hailed Gary Breen as "one of the best centre-halves" he has played alongside and admitted his shock at his release by Wolves.Craddock is the only experienced centre-back left in Mick McCarthy's squad after Breen, Darren Ward and Rob Edwards were released and put up for sale respectively.

The 32-year-old told the Express and Star: "I don't know where Gary will go and it was a shock to see him released.

"I rate him as a player and he's one of the best centre-halves I have played alongside. On and off the pitch he was a huge presence and a likeable fellow. It's a shame because he is such a very good player."

Craddock was also left bewildered by the decision to allow Ward and Edwards to leave, saying: "I was surprised to see Darren Ward and Rob Edwards made available for transfer - with Gary Breen, that's three players who can play centre-half."

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