Cup run could be Irwin’s swan-song

WOLVES’ veteran full-back Denis Irwin aims to put his FA Cup-winning experience to good use in Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash against Newcastle United at Molineux.

Irwin, 36, won the cup twice with Manchester United and has his sights on another good run in the competition in what could be his final season as a professional.

The former Irish international knows Wolves will have their work cut out especially as their recent league form has been poor.

Irwin said: "It will be tough for us, but it will be tough for them as well. They are a good side and we will have to play well to win.

"We all know what Alan Shearer can do in attack. He has been a handful for a long time," he said.

The clash with Newcastle also brings back unhappy memories for Irwin.

He was suspended for the 1999 FA Cup final after being sent off in a league game against Liverpool at Anfield.

Irwin added: "It is never nice to have to sit out any game. but especially an FA Cup final.

With Wolves struggling in the league, the game is an ideal break from their problems in the First Division.

A run of five points from six games has turned up the pressure on their manager Dave Jones.

Striker George Ndah is set to shake off the after-effects of a virus.