Stephen Dobbie thanks Ian McCall for top-flight chance

Dobbie will be playing in the English Premier League next season

Stephen Dobbie says his elevation to England's top flight is thanks to a verbal roasting from his former manager at Queen of the South, Ian McCall.

The 28-year-old scored one of the goals in a 4-2 win over Reading as Swansea City became the first Welsh side to enter the Barclays Premier League.

"The then manager Ian McCall told me in no uncertain terms that it was 'my last chance saloon'," the striker told his former club's website.

"So I buckled down and worked hard."

It was Dobbie's second Championship play-off success in a row, having also helped Blackpool reach England's top-flight with a win over Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium last year.

That time, he missed out on a place in the Premier League because he was on loan with the Seasiders and he had to return to Swansea.

"It was good to win last season to help Blackpool to the Premiership but even better this time around as I was playing for my own club, Swansea City," he said.

"Coming up against teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea is what all players dream about."

Dobbie had failed to make his mark with three Scottish Premier League outfits, but prolific spells at Dumbarton and Palmerston reignited his career.

"Before signing for Queens, I'd been with Rangers, Hibs and St Johnstone, but after a loan spell with Dumbarton, I came to Queens," he said.

"But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be playing in the Premiership itself next season."

Dobbie says the Dumfries club, who transferred him to Blackpool in 2009, remain close to his heart.

"Good to see Queen of the South finish fourth in Scottish Division One again," he added.

"And, yes, I do look out for their result every Saturday night."