Hard-to-please Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists no-one is “untouchable” as fear of the axe drives his promotion-chasing players to new levels.

Wolves maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Championship despite McCarthy surprisingly resting 15-goal top scorer Chris Iwelumo and midfielder Dave Jones in last night’s 3-0 win over Derby. He also handed Matt Hill a debut and 90 minutes to Andy Keogh for the first time since October 4.

But the Molineux chief was rewarded for his decisions as Keogh was involved in the first and third goals, while Hill had a solid outing as the strength in depth at McCarthy’s disposal was shown.

And the boss believes that competition is vital to prevent complacency.

McCarthy said: “Nobody can be untouchable because then what have they got to fight for? What do they need to scrap for if I keep picking their names on the teamsheet?

“I just felt it was time for a change. A bit of insecurity sometimes does you good and players have got to be looking over their shoulders at people doing well.

“I’ve no doubt Chris does and Sylvan does because Sam and Andy Keogh have been terrific.

“And Sylvan’s OK when he’s finding the net every other game!”

As for Iwelumo, McCarthy revealed the Scotland international has a slight ankle injury but could be fit for Saturday’s visit of Barnsley.

“Chris turned his ankle in training on Monday and I kept it to myself, I didn’t think it necessary to tell the world,” said the boss.

“He’s got an outside chance for Saturday.”

Keogh believes Ebanks-Blake should be one of the first names on the teamsheet for his ability to score out of nothing.

“He’s a poacher – a fox in the box,” he added.