‘Blood and thunder’ in the Black Country
Wanderers secured a top-six berth with their first victory at Leicester since 1971.
Goals from Seyi Olofinjana and Michael Kightly usurped the early lead given to Leicester by Iain Hume to give Wolves the half-time advantage.
Gareth McAuley’s own goal at the start of the second half and Andrew Keogh’s late penalty gave McCarthy’s side a 4-1 win at the Walkers Stadium to ensure a fifth-place finish and two derby dates against Albion, who finished fourth after hammering Barnsley 7-0.
McCarthy said: “Whoever wrote the script for the play-offs certainly has a sense of humour. They will be two blood-and-thunder ties you can be sure of that.
“It has been looking like we would meet for some time with the way results have been going in recent weeks and it will be an interesting couple of games.
“Of course it is good that we are involved but it is only an opportunity and nothing should be taken for granted now that we are there.”
McCarthy hailed the impact of quartet Keogh, Kightly, Stephen Ward and Michael McIndoe since their arrivals at the club in January.
He added: “They have improved us there is no doubt about that and they have played a big part in getting us where we are.
Meanwhile Southampton manager George Burley claims Derby will be the favourites in their Coca-Cola Championship play-off semi-final after his side booked a nerve-jangling meeting with his old club.
Kenwyne Jones and Leon Best both scored twice to secure Saints’ place in the top six after the hosts survived an early scare to emphatically beat relegated Southend 4-1 at St Mary’s.
Burley is no stranger to the play-offs after taking Ipswich into the end-of-season lottery four times and Derby once, and having led the Tractor Boys to victory at the old Wembley, he is itching to earn a trip to the new stadium.
“Derby finished above us in third so they have to be favourites,” said Burley. “But we’ve got a good blend of youth and experience and we’ve won our last three games so we’re in a good run of form and we want to carry that on.’’
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