McCarthy defends approach

Wolves came in for criticism in some quarters for its approach to the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United a fortnight ago when seven of its players were booked.

But McCarthy is quick to defend the approach of his team which will be looking to maintain its unbeaten start to the campaign at Fulham this weekend.

The former Republic Of Ireland boss said: "I think this perception that we're a team roughing people up is completely wrong.

"We're a team competing in the Premier League and you have to do it. I think people have got the wrong end of the stick.

"Let me tell you - whatever went down against Newcastle a week last Saturday will be for the other 17 teams we've still got to play here.

"Everyone else that comes here have got the same to come. It's a competitive place."

McCarthy added: "People like to hang tags on things but don't go labelling us a dirty side. We play our football and we compete.

"We tackle properly and we're going to continue doing the same.

"If you don't stand up to it, you get beat.

"Against Newcastle, we stood up to a really experienced team who I don't think should even have been in the Championship.

"I was proud of the lads for the way we competed in both games. The Newcastle game was a tough old match - but there were no shrinking violets."

Defender Ronald Zubar has been ruled out of the clash at Craven Cottage with a hamstring injury.

But striker Marcus Bent will be included in the squad after signing on loan from Birmingham City.