McCarthy aiming for Premier League return

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is relishing his side’s unenviable run-in as they aim to gatecrash the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

McCarthy’s side still have to face West Brom, Bristol City, Ipswich, Cardiff and Plymouth before the end of the campaign with a trip to Charlton first up this evening.

Wolves lie one point and three places off a play-off spot with seven games remaining but McCarthy is looking to build on his side’s encouraging run of four victories and two draws from their last seven games.

He told his club’s official website, www.wolves.co.uk: “It’s in our hands to get into the play-offs and I would prefer to have these tough games.

“It means we are facing sides who are suffering the same anxieties as we are.”

McCarthy should be able to call on goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey for the trip despite the player pulling out of the Wales squad in midweek due to a hamstring strain.

Rob Edwards suffered an ankle strain while playing for John Toshack’s side and is likely to be replaced by Jody Craddock.

Dave Edwards is still sidelined with a groin problem while international team-mate Freddy Eastwood will hope his brace for Wales in their midweek win over Luxembourg will sufficiently impress McCarthy for him to earn a recall.