expressandstar.com

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admits his hands are still tied regarding selection and planning for Saturday’s return to Premier League action at Everton.

While the Molineux chief welcomed back keeper Wayne Hennessey yesterday with the 22-year-old suspended for Wales’ World Cup “dead rubber” tonight against Lichtenstein, McCarthy still has nine players away on international duty. Some won’t return until Friday – just 24 hours before the trip to Goodison.

“Until they all get back and we see what they have played, how many minutes, what they have done, I don’t know. I’ll take a view then,” said the boss.

“Dave Edwards has been great. But then he might get 90 minutes tonight as well (for Wales).

“Nenad (Milijas) might get 90 minutes but Serbia have qualified.”

McCarthy has already said he’s considering handing Ronald Zubar his Premier League debut at Goodison after impressing in training.

Meanwhile, fellow defender Michael Mancienne has reported back ill after England under-21s’ duty.

“Wayne is back with us and Michael was poorly yesterday and was off but the rest are fine,” said the boss.

Hennessey joined a near fully-fit squad in training yesterday.

“Richard Stearman, Chris Iwelumo, Jody Craddock and Matt Murray are out training,” added McCarthy.

“But the long-term ones such as Dave Jones and Stephen Ward are still injured.”

Meanwhile, a youthful Wolves went down 3-1 in a friendly at Cheltenham reserves yesterday.

Nathan Rooney scored Wolves’ goal in the 50th minute in a game where academy graduate Ashley Hemmings was Wolves’ only senior player to figure.

Tom Denton (26 and 78 minutes) and Josh Quaynor (45) scored the Robins’ goals.

See Also:

• Share you news, photos, audio clips and videos with the Express & Star