City holds no fear for McCarthy

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will send his side out at Eastlands on Saturday looking to do the double over title-challenging Manchester City.

Wolves beat Roberto Mancini’s men 2-1 in their first English Premier League meeting this season at Molineux in October thanks to a second-half strike from Dave Edwards.

McCarthy’s side are clear of the relegation zone on goal difference only while City are second, but the former Sunderland and Republic of Ireland manager maintained his players were equipped to stage an upset.

“We have been playing well enough and (are) on form,” McCarthy said.

“It is a huge game. We know how good they are and what they have spent but we will get a real good effort from our lads.”

And McCarthy has reassured the rest of the clubs at the wrong end of the table that they had nothing to fear when facing any of the league’s heavyweights.

“It has evened itself out this season. David and Goliath – it is not really happening. The giant is getting his backside kicked this season,” he said.

“Nobody gives us too much of a chance against Manchester City.”

“But I am impressed by Mancini, he addresses his problems and doesn’t make a drama. They are genuine title contenders because they are very hard to beat. They line up very Italian.”

While many managers are reportedly fighting to hold onto their positions, McCarthy believes his job with Wolves is safe.

“I believe I have a long-term future here – I know what it is like when your future is in the balance,” he said.

“I plan to be here a long, long time. I will be here the next few seasons.”

Karl Henry, Jody Craddock and Steven Mouyokolo all return from long-term injuries and will make the trip to Manchester.

But Dave Edwards is out with a hamstring injury, while left-back George Elokobi will miss the clash as he begins a three-match suspension.