Wolves future in their own hands

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has told his players to ignore their relegation rivals and concentrate on themselves.

McCarthy’s men are just a point clear of the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sunderland.

It is a vital game with six teams still in the Premier League relegation mix with just two games left.

McCarthy said: “If you take the focus from our game and our performance and start wondering what everyone else does, you have no chance. There cannot be two bigger games than the ones we have got left.”

“To maintain our Premier League status would be huge and that is why these games are huge. It would be a great time to get back-to-back wins. That is what we need and want but we cannot guarantee it.”

“We have won 10 league games which is as many as Fulham, Villa and Blackburn. But we have lost more and have not drawn as many.”

“The way we played in last weekend’s 3-1 win over West Brom will have given the players a lot of confidence.”

Sunderland have suffered terribly with injuries of late and had 11 first team players injured for last Saturday’s trip to Bolton.

But despite having no recognised forwards available, Steve Bruce’s men ran out 2-1 winners and McCarthy knows they are more than capable of getting a result despite those absences.

“I watched Sunderland on Saturday and despite having no strikers on the pitch, they were excellent and kept the ball well,” McCarthy said.

“Their midfield player Stephane Sessegnon did very well up front.”

“It was a really good performance and they beat a good Bolton side. I would never ever suggest it is a good time to play them.”

“I have been a Sunderland manager and I know Steve Bruce will want to finish the season with as many points as they can get. They have had a tough time with injuries and had a bad run of games and will want a win.”

“They will see it as a chance to win back-to-back games. They will not be doing anybody any services here – there will be no favours.”

“And you always want to win your last home game.”

Wolves will be without defenders David Edwards (back), Ronald Zubar (back) and Steven Mouyokolo (knee). Forward Kevin Doyle (knee) is also unavailable.