McCarthy tips Keogh to shine

WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy has tipped striker Andy Keogh to take the Barclays Premier League by storm.

Ireland international Keogh is again set to spearhead the Wolves attack as a lone striker at big-spending Manchester City today.

Keogh had his fair share of critics last season when Wolves were promoted but he has quickly adapted to life in the top-flight.

He impressed on his top flight debut against West Ham United last weekend and then headed the winner in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory at Wigan.

McCarthy said: “Keogh is really great in that role up front by himself.

“He flicks it on, he is good in the air, he does make it stick and he has improved at that. He is a constant threat all the time. Scoring in the Premier League will also have done him the world of good as well.

“I have always had belief in Andy Keogh that he is a good player.

“Unfortunately for Andy, everyone sees what he is not good at, instead of seeing what he is good at which me, the manager, likes to see and tries to see.”

Keogh’s battle with City central defender Richard Dunne is likely to be pivotal. The duo are already well known to each other as team-mates in the Irish squad.

Dunne is also well known to McCarthy, who added: “I gave him his international debut and one thing I do know is ‘Dunney’ will not be thinking this will be an easy game for him.”

Meanwhile, Wolves have received a massive boost on the eve of the game after their record signing, £6.5 million (€7.4m) striker Kevin Doyle, was given the all-clear to make his debut for the club.

Doyle, who had hernia surgery last month, has missed the first two games of the season with a groin problem and is set to be on the bench.

McCarthy confirmed: “He is fit, he is travelling, he is in the squad and there is every chance that he will play some part of the game.”

Scottish international central defender Christophe Berra is also fit after a hamstring strain suffered against Norway forced him to sit out the games with West Ham and Wigan.

Mark Hughes, meanwhile, could be set to name Carlos Tevez in his side as the manager revealed he had not given up the chase for Joleon Lescott.

Hughes said: “It was important Carlos got an hour under his belt. He came through that with flying colours.

“He looked strong and could have played longer in fact. But it is important we do not expose him to 90 minutes too soon. I think we have done it in the right way and he is probably ready now.”

Hughes is having to play patience in his bid to bring Lescott to Eastlands but is not giving up the chase.

“We are not at that point at this moment,” said the City boss. “When we feel there is nowhere else to go and it is not going to happen, then we will walk away. We do not think we are quite at that point yet. Time will tell.”