McCarthy feeling the heat

Mick McCarthy admits the pressure is mounting on Wolves to turn around their flagging campaign in the wake of their latest defeat.
Saturday's 2-1 loss to relegation rivals Blackpool has left McCarthy's side with just nine points from their opening 14 league games.
Wolves have now lost four consecutive matches in league action since upsetting Manchester City, but McCarthy is determined to put things right.
The Molineux tactician knows results have not been up to scratch and he is willing to do everything he can to avert the crisis that is looming.
"All managers know in football, it's about getting results," explained McCarthy.
"If you're not getting results the pressure mounts. It's a huge fight. It was before Saturday. That result made it even harder.
"I worry about what we can do to make sure we start getting some points.
"It can become doom and gloom very quickly but we have to make sure that doesn't happen."
Wolves 6/4, Sunderland 7/4, Draw 12/5
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Seasiders add to Wolves' woes

Man of the match: Ian Evatt. Blackpool's victory was built on the defensive solidarity of their centre-back partnership.
Goal of the match: Luke Varney's glorious goal had shades of Luis Garcia's famous strike against Juventus for Liverpool five years ago. A wonderful volley.
Tackle of the match: Evatt's last-ditch challenge to deny Sylvan Ebanks-Blake proved vital come full-time and he showed why the defender was so important for the Tangerines.
Talking point: Are Wolves serious relegation candidates after suffering another defeat despite playing well and can Blackpool continue to defy pre-season prediction and beat the drop?
Blackpool secured their second home win in the Premier League as Wolves' woes continued following their 2-1 defeat at Bloomfield Road.
Prince William was at the ground for Saturday's top-flight encounter and Luke Varney delivered a goal fit for royalty on three minutes as he opened the scoring with a wonder-strike.
Wolves had lost their last three games heading into the weekend fixture despite playing well in recent weeks, and the visitors were unlucky to be two down going into the break.
Blackpool scored right on half-time, thanks to poor goalkeeping from Marcus Hahnemann to allow Varney to head the ball onto Marlon Harewood who bundled home against his former club.
Wanderers continued to show spirit in the second half and they were given a late lifeline when Kevin Doyle grabbed his first league goal of the season but it was too little too late for Mick McCarthy's side, who remain rooted in the relegation zone.
Blackpool had gone into the game with the worst home record in the league but they looked sprightly from the onset against the team with the worst away form.
Wolves were also looking to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season but their plans were in tatters almost as soon as the game had started.
Blackpool were buoyed by the presence of inspirational captain Charlie Adam after an injury scare but their stunning opener had nothing to do with the Scot's creativity.
Varney, wide on the left, chested a long Stephen Crainey ball past Kevin Foley and watched it bounce before unleashing an inch-perfect 25-yard shot which looped over Hahnemann and dipped under the crossbar.
The visitors tried to respond but George Elokobi's shot was blocked. Harewood tested Hahnemann with a 30-yard shot but the American saved comfortably low down.
Wolves began to enjoy some possession but Blackpool got numbers back. Adam headed away a corner from under his crossbar and goalkeeper Richard Kingson, playing in place of injured first choice Matt Gilks, was not worried by a header from Christophe Berra.
Doyle also headed wide of the post for McCarthy's side.
McCarthy was clearly not happy with the performance of Foley, who had been shifted infield soon after Varney's goal with Michael Mancienne moving to right-back and with less than half an hour gone Foley was taken off and replaced by Nenad Milijas.
Hahnemann had a moment of uncertainty when he spilled a long-range Ian Evatt shot but there was no danger and he recovered.
The incident failed to jolt the keeper into life and another lapse of concentration allowed Blackpool to double their lead.
Hahnemann came out to claim a David Vaughan corner but missed the ball and Varney headed down.
Harewood was on hand to stab towards goal and the ball found its way across the line despite the last-ditch efforts of Matt Jarvis.
The visiting fans turned their frustration on the team and chanted, 'What a load of rubbish' at half-time.
As a result, Wolves started the second period in determined fashion but David Jones sliced a good chance wide.
Blackpool continued to attack themselves and DJ Campbell beat Berra in the box but failed to find anyone with his cross.
The approach of both sides made for a really open contest and Doyle twice went close, first dragging a shot across goal and then picking out Kingson.
Milijas went even closer after a powerful run down the middle, striking a left-foot shot which beat Kingson to his left but rebounded to safety off the post.
Milijas tried his luck again moments later but blazed over.
Blackpool pieced together another good move with Adam playing Varney through but the on-loan Derby forward shot narrowly wide.
Jarvis pulled the ball back for substitute Sylvan Ebanks-Blake in the six-yard box but it seemed Wolves' luck was out as Vaughan deflected his shot wide.
Wolves continued to press and were finally rewarded five minutes from time as Doyle headed home at the far post from an Elokobi cross.
Jones went down in the area as Wolves pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments but referee Mark Clattenburg was unimpressed.
Campbell spotted Hahnemann out of goal in injury-time but his effort from inside his own half stopped short.
Wolves had time to win one last corner but the whistle blew as soon as it was taken.
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Ward - Cesc not at fault

Wolves defender Stephen Ward insists Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is not to blame for the tackle which left him needing four stitches in a gashed shin.
The closing stages of Wednesday's clash between the sides at Molineux saw Ward stretchered off after being on the receiving end of Fabregas' challenge.
The Spanish midfielder was booked for the touch-line tackle and came under fire from Wolves supporters for the remainder of the game.
Afterwards, Fabregas apologised in the Wolves dressing room and Ward has absolved the Gunners skipper of any blame.
"It's a little bit sore but it's just one of those things," said Ward. "Thankfully it's nothing more serious.
"I've had four stitches in there and it was painful at the time.
"Thankfully when they (the medical staff) assessed it, they realised it was just an open wound and there wasn't any other damage.
"I never thought it was broken or anything but it was really painful so I didn't really know what I'd done."
He added: "I've no problems about the tackle. It happens in football and everyone tackles.
"It happens a couple of times in every game when people try and block you.
"He (Fabregas) is not a malicious player and I know there was no intent.
"It was just a mistimed challenge and one of those things that happens in every game.
"It was good of him to come and find me and apologise and that shows what kind of a lad he is.
"He's one of the best players around and for him to feel he wanted to apologise was a nice gesture.
"There probably wasn't any need because it was just a mistimed challenge but it was good of him anyway."
Wolves 11/8, Bolton 2/1, Draw 9/4
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Hahnemann hopes for Wolves stay

Marcus Hahnemann is hoping to earn a new contract at Wolves and stay with the club into his 40's.
The American goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the season and despite now being 38, he is enjoying one of the best spells of his career.
The former Reading keeper, who was signed by Mick McCarthy in the summer of 2009, has established himself as first choice at Molineux after replacing Wayne Hennessey last November.
Hahnemann has the option of returning to play in his homeland but admits he would prefer to sign a new deal with Wolves and is happy to stay for at least another two years.
"I want to stay at Wolves," he said. "Myself and my family really like it here, the set-up is great, the guys are great, the staff are great.
"Everything has been top notch since I've been here. There is no reason why I want to leave or anything.
"I'm just kind of waiting to see what happens. I can't stay if they don't want me to stay so we will just wait and see if they are going to offer me something.
"There are a couple of MLS teams and it might be an opportunity for me to go back. But if I have the choice I would like to carry on at Wolves for two more years if I was given the opportunity."
Hahnemann added: "I think I've been playing as well as I ever have been and I'm as fit as I've ever been. I feel fit and good enough to carry on at this level for another couple of years.
"It's been one of the best 12 months of my career. I've had good spells before but everything has been pretty remarkable since coming in here and getting the chance to play and play again."
Hahnemann has been an ever-present in the Premier League since replacing Hennessey and is set to remain in goal for Saturday's home game against Bolton.
Wolves have just faced each of the top four in succession but emerged with much credit having beaten Manchester City while putting in decent displays despite against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.
McCarthy's men now aim to maintain that level of performance as they prepare to face some of the sides they expect to be battling it out with for top-flight survival.
"We lost three of the games against the top four but we played well and also won one of them against Manchester City," Hahnemann said.
"If we had drawn with three of them, everyone would have said 'top teams, three draws, you guys are doing well'. We got the same points as that with the one win and we were in every one of those games. We played super well. You do think one result from those games is a success.
"Those games with the top sides will really have no bearing on where we finish in the league," he added. "They are almost like bonus points.
"It's how we do against the teams that are going to be around us like Bolton on Saturday. So now the pressure is going to start.
"Now these are the games where we have to pick up points and, from the way we have played the last few games, people are going to be expecting us to do that again.
"It is going to be quite interesting to see if we can continue right where we left off these last four games when playing so well, and take that on to another home game."
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Cesc - No more slip-ups

Fabregas is 6/1 to score the opening goal against Wolves. Can the Spain midfielder help his side to victory? Bet now.Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas insists they cannot afford to drop more points in the title race against Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday.
Sunday's surprise 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle was the Gunners' third league defeat this term in 11 games, leaving them five points adrift of leaders Chelsea.
Fabregas and co are desperate to end their title drought having failed to win the Premier League since Arsene Wenger's 'invincibles' finished top of the pile in the 2003/04 campaign.
The Spain international is not dwelling on their loss to the Magpies and is pleased the team have a chance to return to winning ways so quickly courtesy of their midweek encounter.
However, the talented 23-year-old knows Wolves will not be an easy nut to crack following their recent home with over Manchester City and is taking nothing for granted.
"These are the games that can win or lose you titles," he told The Sun.
"Because it's not just about beating the big teams in the big games - it's about winning these matches also.
"The Newcastle defeat was a really bad result... another one of those games where we have struggled.
"And we all said after we'd lost at home to West Brom that we couldn't afford any more setbacks like that - and yet we did it again!
"We have to realise one more mistake like that and it could all be finished. We are lucky Chelsea lost at Liverpool so we didn't lose any ground on the leaders. But Manchester United and Manchester City won.
"The good thing about football is you get the chance to bounce back quickly.
"So now we have to go to Wolves and that will be very difficult. We have to go there and be strong, show our character and play our football. Because we now can't afford to lose against Wolves if we want to win the Premier League.
"We know Wolves are a very good team and although we won there 4-1 last year it was still a very difficult game."
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United keep Wolves focus

Mike Phelan insists next week's derby will not distract Manchester United ahead of their clash with Wolves.
The Red Devils go into the clash with Mick McCarthy's side sitting five points behind leaders Chelsea in the table.
While fans are eagerly anticipating the encounter with neighbours City next Wednesday, Phelan is adopting a blinkered approach.
The assistant boss said: "There is no chance we could get sidetracked by Wednesday's game.
"The next match is always the most important one and we know how difficult it can be if you take your eye off the ball.
"Wolves are a tough proposition. I have heard that everybody is requesting they play a strong side. I am sure they were always intending to do that anyway."
McCarthy caused controversy when he made 10 changes in the corresponding fixture last season.
Despite being handed a £25,000 suspended fine by the Premier League, McCarthy will have felt vindicated as Wolves won the following game with Burnley on their way to retaining their top-flight status.
This term, McCarthy's side have already given United a searching examination in the Carling Cup less than a fortnight ago and subsequently came from behind to beat City in the Premier League last time.
Phelan is expecting another testing time at Old Trafford on Saturday.
He added: "We know exactly what a Mick McCarthy team is capable of.
"They have already shown a great resilience to play in the Premier League and have started to play some seriously good football over the last month or so.
"They have taken good teams to the edge and are just starting to get their just desserts.
"Against us in the Carling Cup they got the ball down and played some terrific football at times, so we will have to be on our guard."
Man. Utd v Wolves To Score 3+ Goals: Man. Utd Evens
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FA action still irks McCarthy

Mick McCarthy is readying himself for a return to Old Trafford, the scene of a controversial contest last term.
The Wolves boss hit the headlines in 2009/10 when he made 10 changes to his side for a Premier League contest with Manchester United.
That decision, which took into account a meeting with Burnley five days later, earned him a £25,000 suspended fine from the Football Association.
McCarthy admits the episode still annoys him and, ahead of a trip to the Theatre of Dreams this weekend, feels Wolves were unfairly 'singled out' by the authorities.
"We were certainly singled out," he said.
"Others have done it, and I did it and everybody found it suddenly really distasteful.
"If we'd have won, nothing would have come of it. And actually, we put up a good show."
On Saturday's encounter with United, McCarthy joked: "I wonder if I could get away with nine changes. I don't know, I'll have to ring somebody at the Premier League offices and ask what I can do."
This will not be the first time Wolves have returned to Old Trafford since last season's shenanigans, as they recently lost 3-2 against United in the Carling Cup.
McCarthy believes the performance from his side in that game, coupled with a decent showing away at reigning Chelsea champions, should see his players head into their latest outing in high spirits.
He said: "I think the performance we had at Old Trafford gave us plenty of confidence and belief, as did the one we had at Stamford Bridge (a 2-0 defeat).
"They have probably led to the result we got against Manchester City (a 2-1 win last time out).
"If all of those things help then we should be in better shape going to Old Trafford."
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Utd duo to miss Wolves clash

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Nani and Darren Fletcher will miss Manchester United's Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday.
The midfield duo were forced off during Tuesday's UEFA Champions League win away to Bursaspor and are set to undergo scans to determine the severity of the injuries.
Nani was replaced during the first half due to a groin injury, while Fletcher hurt his ankle in the second period after earlier giving United the lead.
With Ryan Giggs working his way back to fitness, and Darron Gibson and Anderson having been laid low by a virus, United's midfield options are set to be depleted for the visit of Wolves.
"Unfortunately, Nani has a groin injury and is out for Saturday," said United boss Ferguson.
"I think Darren will be out as well, so that part has been disappointing.
"It is disappointing, but these things happen in football.
"We may have Darron Gibson back after a bout of flu, but Anderson has had a virus as well and I don't think he will be ready."
Man. Utd v Wolves.
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Hunt accepts debut delay

Stephen Hunt is straining at the leash at Wolves but admits Mick McCarthy is right to have held him back.
The Republic of Ireland international has been forced to bide his time at Molineux since completing a £3million move from Hull City over the summer.
A serious foot injury has kept him frustrated on the sidelines and unable to help his new employers with their Premier League endeavours.
He was originally pencilled in to make his eagerly-anticipated debut during a home date with Wolves last weekend, but saw that date pushed back as he continued to work on his match sharpness.
Hunt believes he is in better shape for having been able to spend another week working on his conditioning and has praised McCarthy for adopting a cautious approach.
He told the Shropshire Star: "To be honest, I was a million miles off last week and I think my adrenaline might have got me through the game, but the manager made the right decision in the end.
"I'd only had about a week-and-a-half's training so it probably wasn't enough. I've had a fair few niggles.
"I'm delighted he's willing to look after me to have me fit for the rest of the season. The foot hasn't been a problem at all. It's just been other niggles I don't normally get."
Hunt could come into contention for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, but admits he will not rush back into action if his body is not up to the rigours of top flight football.
He added: "I might be a little way off but we'll see. It's getting better.
"I'm beginning to take people on again even though I've been a bit rusty.
"My body is beginning to tell me what to do."
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Jelle not set on Wolves

Jelle van Damme has admitted he could call time on his Wolves career in January after talks with Mick McCarthy.
The Belgium international only arrived at Molineux in a £2.5million deal from Anderlecht in the summer but has struggled to adapt to life in England.
The 26-year-old admitted last week that he was finding it hard to settle with his heavily pregnant wife still in their native country.
Van Damme, who has been hampered by injuries during his short spell in the Premier League, hinted that he could be prepared to move back to Anderlecht.
McCarthy has since held discussions with the left-back and the player claims that he could be allowed to leave when the transfer window reopens.
He told Belgian paper Het Belang van Limburg: "The coach asked me - if you had the chance to return to Anderlecht, would you do it?
"I have answered, yes.
"If we conclude in January it won't work between Wolverhampton both sides could leave as good friends."
Anderlecht supporters were singing Van Damme's name in the wake of their Jupiler League defeat by Standard Liege last weekend.
But the defender insists that will not encourage him to return and despite his troubles he does not regret the move to the Premier League.
He added: "I have heard something about that, but this won't change my situation at all.
"Am I sorry I left? Sorry is a big word. At a certain moment Anderlecht and I made a decision."
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Doyle defends Henry

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has jumped to the defence of skipper Karl Henry after his sending off at Wigan.
Henry was given a straight red card after ten minutes for a dangerous tackle on Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez.
Wolves have come in for criticism in some quarters for their physical approach, but Doyle insists Henry is not a dirty player.
"Karl is a very clean and fair player. He apologised to all the lads at the end of the game," said Doyle.
"He is not a dirty player although we could not argue with the red card.
"The only thing I hope it doesn't do is influence referees in situations where they think Wolves put in a few dirty tackles.
"Over the course of the season we will show that we are not (a dirty side). If you look at it last year, we were one of the fairest sides in the league and I'm sure we will be again this season."
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Wolves leakage worries Mick

Mick McCarthy admits he is worried by Wolverhampton Wanderers' influx of late goals after the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Molineux.
The Wanderers were left empty handed during Sunday's local derby after Emile Heskey's last-ditch header to heap a third defeat of the season on McCarthy's men.
The reverse came as a bitter blow to Wolves, who had grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 61st minute as Matt Jarvis cancelled out Stewart Downing's first-half opener.
And McCarthy was irked by referee Mark Halsey's decision to let yellow-carded full-back Stephen Warnock off with a final warning after his reckless challenge of Kevin Doyle.
"I think it was a terrific second-half performance and we were done by a really good goal," McCarthy told Sky Sports.
"I think we could have defended it better and I'm not sure the guy who crossed it should be on the pitch.
Asked whether Warnock was lucky to escape a second booking, McCarthy added: "Should have, possibly, maybe, could have, might have, ought to have, whatever way you want put on it you go back and look at Fulham and the two bookings for Christophe Berra's and I feel a lot aggrieved about it.
"We've been punished harshly for some of our tackles."
Wolves' latest defeat leaves them lurking near the lower echelons of the league after conceding a late goal for the third successive game.
And McCarthy, whose side are a solitary point above the bottom three in 17th place, admits his side need to buck up their ideas if they are to improve their fortunes.
"Of course it's a concern losing games is a concern so we're really disappointed," the former Republic of Ireland manager added.
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Houllier impressed by Heskey

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Gerard Houllier has hailed the impact of Emile Heksey since his appointment as Aston Villa manager.
Houllier believes the club will benefit from the striker's decision to quit international football with England.
The 32-year-old made an instant impact as a substitute during the midweek Carling Cup win over Blackburn, scoring once and setting up two for Ashley Young in a 3-1 victory.

Houllier signed Heskey when Liverpool boss from Leicester a decade ago for £11million and the forward could come into contention for Sunday's derby at Wolves.Houllier said: "He decided to stop his international career so now it means he can repeat games for us.

"The whole England team suffered (received criticism) for what happened in South Africa.
"Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't, but whatever you say about Emile he is a good man and a good player."I read a few things about what he said when he retired and it's very sensible what he said, that his time has gone now, he's 32-33, there are some young players coming through.

"Emile will be 100 per cent Villa and as the manager I am happy."The Frenchman has no doubt that Heskey can still be a major force for Villa.He said: "All strikers need confidence. They need to feel they have the backing of the manager, club and the fans."Emile probably needs that more than the others. I saw him play on September 4 in Jamie Carragher's testimonial.

"Garry McAllister (Villa assistant manager) was also involved in that game and he said Emile has still got something about him.

"Trust me, I think he will do well for us."

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Houllier signs Villa deal

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has finally put pen to paper on a three-year contract.
Houllier revealed earlier this week that he had not signed the deal, despite being named as Martin O'Neill's successor a fortnight ago.But he insisted there was no problem as an agreement was in place, and everything has now been finalised ahead of Sunday's game at Wolves.

Houllier's appointment was initially delayed because he had not been released by the French Football federation after resigning as technical director.Kevin MacDonald remained in caretaker charge until Houllier was able to take the helm for the first time against Blackburn in midweek.Villa began life under Houllier with a 3-1 Carling Cup victory and will now be looking for three points at Molineux in his Premier League match for six years.


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Henry talks up firepower

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Wolves captain Karl Henry has called on his team-mates to demonstrate their killer instinct in front of goal on Sunday.
Mick McCarthy's men lock horns with Midlands rivals Aston Villa this weekend looking to end a run of back-to-back league losses.
Wolves struggled for goals last term, but midfielder Henry believes they now have the firepower to trouble any team, so long as they close out matches when on top.

Henry said: "You need to be able to create goals from nowhere and I think we've got that in the team.
"We've got goals now in the team. It is a nice feeling to have.
"You need to have knowledge that you can go and get goals when you are having a bad game or not having the best of times.

"It is important. You look at Stoke and, for 85 minutes, they seem to be getting dominated and they still seem to go on and win games.
"I think we've added that quality now. Steven Fletcher and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has been on fire so far this season while Kevin Doyle was fantastic for us last season.
"Fletcher has already got off to a flying start since coming from Burnley and banged in a few goals."
But Henry admitted: "We've got to learn from the two defeats we've had on the road.
"To go 1-0 up at Fulham and Tottenham is difficult enough. We've done it two weeks on the bounce and lost both games.

"We've got to learn something from that and maybe, if we are having a bad patch in the game, we've got to stick with it and stay in the game.
"If we come away with a 1-1 draw after leading, it might be disappointing, but we've got a point."
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10 Premier Teams Left in Carling Cup Draw

6 Premier Teams  out of the 10 left in the cup will clash in the next round of the Carling cup

Carling Cup fourth round draw in full:

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Birmingham City v Brentford

Wigan Athletic v Swansea City

Aston Villa v Burnley

Leicester City v West Brom

Manchester Utd v Wolverhampton

West Ham v Stoke City

Ipswich Town v Northampton

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