Mick McCarthy today challenged Lewis Gobern to prove himself after confirming the home-grown winger will sign a new deal at Wolves.

After months of indecision, Gobern is finally poised to sign the two-year contract that Wolves offered him at the turn of the year, handing manager McCarthy another boost as he builds a squad for next season’s promotion tilt.

Wolves now have compelling options on either wing – with a fully fit Gobern added to a bank of wingers that includes new boy Matt Jarvis, Michael Kightly and Michael McIndoe.

McCarthy has welcomed Gobern’s decision, but warned the young winger that he faces serious competition in the battle for a first-team place.

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Mick McCarthy today challenged Lewis Gobern to prove himself after confirming the home-grown winger will sign a new deal at Wolves.

After months of indecision, Gobern is finally poised to sign the two-year contract that Wolves offered him at the turn of the year, handing manager McCarthy another boost as he builds a squad for next season’s promotion tilt.

Wolves now have compelling options on either wing – with a fully fit Gobern added to a bank of wingers that includes new boy Matt Jarvis, Michael Kightly and Michael McIndoe.

McCarthy has welcomed Gobern’s decision, but warned the young winger that he faces serious competition in the battle for a first-team place.

“Lewis will be staying and that is good news. He has come through the youth system and if he stays injury-free he is a good player. That is his target now – to remain injury free and stay playing,” he said.

“But. as I told him. I signed Matt Jarvis and that is someone else for him to contend with because Matt can play on both sides of the wing.”

After making an impressive start to life under McCarthy the 22-year-old winger faded from view following a serious hamstring injury.

Gobern scored in back-to-back games at the end of the year, but was beset by injury and hasn’t kicked a ball in anger this year.

He appeared to be heading for the exit after turning down the contract offer at the end of the season, but has now decided his future does lie at Wolves. McCarthy insisted his indecision will not be held against him.

“I think it was just a bit of bad advice that he received, but that will be forgotten,” he said. “It is a big season for him now, but it is for all of them.

“I spoke to Lewis and told him the best team will start on August 11 – whoever that might be. The ones that aren’t playing will be in the reserves and maybe a few will have to go out on loan.

“But this year we have got a reserve team and we’ll be able to cope because we’ll have a lot more players.”