McCarthy plans surprise at left-back

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is planning to spring a surprise choice to cover his left-back gap against Nottingham Forest.

McCarthy needs a replacement after losing George Elokobi for the foreseeable future because of knee ligament damage.

The unlucky Cameroon defender was seeing a surgeon for a detailed examination of the damage, which could extend to Elokobi undergoing an operation.

Wolves are still reluctant to say precisely how long the left-back will be out for, but it is clear that he will struggle to play a meaningful role in this campaign, a major blow to McCarthy and his plans.

While the club continue to hunt for a solution in the transfer market, the Wolves boss is searching for a stand-in from his current squad, as he makes his plans for the Forest clash at Molineux.

He has triggered a guessing game by stating that “it won’t be what I did on Tuesday” – when both Neill Collins and Richard Stearman were used against Rotherham.

McCarthy said: “I’ve got a secret weapon up my sleeve but I’m hardly likely to tell you what it is.”

“Otherwise, I might as well pick up the phone, ring Colin Caldwerwood and tell him what my team is.”

Earlier this week, McCarthy ruled out one option, Daniel Jones, who he maintains he “does not see as a left back,” while veteran Michael Gray would hardly be a surprise choice.

That leaves all eyes on utility player Stephen Ward, who the Wolves boss has suggested could play in that position. He has already figured as a central striker and wide midfielder.

The attacking end of the team should be restored to full strength with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Chris Iwelumo, Matt Jarvis and David Jones all returning to the starting line-up.

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