Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has been told he’s doing nothing wrong in his bid to win back his place – but remains out of the team for the clash with Portsmouth.

Boss Mick McCarthy will again pledge faith in Irish duo Kevin Doyle and Andy Keogh for the visit of Pompey tomorrow.

A hamstring injury in the 2-0 opening day defeat against West Ham has meant double Championship Golden Boot winner Ebanks-Blake has had a frustrating start to the Premier League season, with the 23-year-old the only fit senior striker not to have scored.

But McCarthy praised Ebanks-Blake’s attitude in training.

The manager said: “Players have to earn the right to be on the pitch and he’s doing everything he can. He’s worked hard this week but then the other two or three in there, or whoever it might be, have to do their upmost to keep him where he is.

“I think those two are doing enough to keep him where he is. They were great at Sunderland. Somebody asked me about Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones, but I thought our front two were equally as good and caused just as many problems.

“But they didn’t get a penalty each and one of them didn’t fire one in from 25 yards.”

McCarthy currently rates club record £6.5million signing Doyle, who has scored two goals in his last two league games, is one of first names on his team sheet and believes his value will only soar.

The Wolves boss said: “Yes, and justifyably so. He’s been terrific. I have absolutely no worries about the fee we paid, whatever we paid – with Doyle it’s money well spent.

“He’ll only get better and whatever value it was it will only increase with his performances.”