Injury-ravaged Wolves hunt prey

Wolverhampton have doubts over six players and another is suspended for the crucial clash with Sunderland at Molineux on Saturday.

“We’ve got one of the cleaners and the chef in the squad the way it’s going, having lost so many players,” joked manager Mick McCarthy.

“I told Kevin Foley at the start of the week that he was in the team and he would be my captain and then within five minutes, he opened his knee up in training.”

“Defender Steven Mouyokolo has hurt his back and he’s a real doubt, Steven Fletcher has been poorly, Dave Edwards is still missing but I’m sure I’ll have a team firing on all cylinders.”

Wolves have accumulated just four points out of 33 and could be cut adrift from the pack with West Ham at the foot of the table.

But, despite the run of nine defeats in 11 games, McCarthy insists owner Steve Morgan is firmly behind him.

“I’ve had fabulous support from Steve Morgan and [chief executive] Jez Moxey – support hasn’t been a problem,” said the former Sunderland manager.

“Steve’s great and positive and supportive – the same as Jez, the atmosphere is great around the place.”

“It’s still nice to know that people recognise that I’m still a good manager and the club is run well.”

“I get great support and that means a lot, it really does – but I don’t listen to message boards, radio shows or phone-ins.”

McCarthy avoided calling the Sunderland game ‘must win’ but he did concede it was ‘vital’.

Wolves have conceded early goals three weeks running and McCarthy wants to put a stop to that immediately.

“Saturday’s was an unbelievable strike, which kind of put the tin hat on it. If it comes in threes, then thankfully it’s over and done with,” he said.

The partners of Stephen Ward and Jelle Van Damme both gave birth this week but McCarthy expects both players to be in the squad.

Long-term absentee captain Karl Henry is out with a knee injury and Jody Craddock still remains sidelined with a hip problem. Centre-back Christophe Berra is serving a one-match suspension.