Wolves may be at door for Carsley

Lee Carsley could be on his way to Wolves after new Molineux boss Mick McCarthy expressed an interest in the former Republic of Ireland international.

The Everton midfielder has been left behind for personal reasons as the Goodison Park club embark on a two-match trip to the USA.

Now his former international boss, who opted not to retain Paul Ince at Wolves, could be about to sign Carsley as a direct replacement.

McCarthy told his club’s official website, www.wolves.co.uk: “I admire him Carsley, I haven’t spoken to David Moyes (Everton boss) about him, but we would like somebody of that ilk.”

The 32-year-old has only one year left on his contract and could find himself well down the Everton pecking order in the coming season with Tim Cahill, Simon Davies, Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman and Phil Neville all likely to be ahead of him when Moyes selects his first Premiership side of the season.

McCarthy gave Carsley his international debut in 1998. The former Coventry ace missed much of last season with a knee injury, but is fit again and hoping to reclaim a spot in the Irish side.

McCarthy, appointed only this week as Glenn Hoddle’s replacement at Wolves, said: “I’ve been ringing round clubs and agents trying to get more players in. I’m looking for players who are hungry and want a challenge – players who feel Wolves will improve them.”

Moyes was delighted with the display of another Irish international, Kevin Kilbane, after Everton drew 1-1 with Columbus Crew in Ohio in their first game before moving on to Dallas to play Club America on Saturday.

Moyes said: “Kevin played very well for us. In the first half he played as well as he has done for a long time. He was crossing the ball, he was taking people on and it was a good performance.

Moyes was also pleased with teenage striker Victor Anichebe, who rattled home his third goal of pre-season.

He said: “Victor was a real handful. And he has a back problem at the moment which means we are limiting his playing and his training.”