Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has backed Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to score goals in the Premier League.

Follow all the match action with the Express & Star’s Match Centre

The double Golden Boot winner went into today’s derby against Villa without a goal this season.

But the 23-year-old looked sharp in the 1-1 draw at Everton last weekend as he made his first start since the opening game of the season.

And he was determined to make up for lost time at his sixth time of asking today after a hamstring injury.

“Sylvan’s a goal threat and he’s getting closer,” said McCarthy.

“He had two or three good attempts at Everton – not clear-cut chances – but good attempts he made himself. He’s had one real chance – against Portsmouth – but even then there were loads of bodies in his way and it came at him really quickly.

“He’s not had a clear-cut opportunity when he was nailed on to score. He’s getting sharper and I thought he and Kevin Doyle were excellent at Everton.”

McCarthy believes £6.5m record signing Doyle has already proved value for money.

“I knew what I was getting with Doyle and he’s been every bit as good as I thought he would be and more,” he said. “He’s a great lad around the place. I’d agree with Steve Bull – he could be our most value for money signing.

“He could play with different partners no problem. He’s a good, intelligent footballer. I’ve been delighted with his game in general.

“I can see why he’s developed a rapport with the crowd because he’s played well and he’s scoring goals.”

And with Doyle in hot form having hit three goals, McCarthy believes Wolves have an added goal threat with Michael Kightly and Chris Iwelumo also fit again.

“I think we’ve got goals in our side. Having Chris and Kightly back is great,” he said.