Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has been told to carry on regardless by boss Mick McCarthy as he seeks an end to his frustrations in front of goal.

The forward goes into Saturday’s clash at Tottenham still seeking his first goal in open play this season after 10 Premier League games, his single strike a thumping penalty equaliser against Villa.

But McCarthy reckons the 23-year-old is making the most of coping with fewer chances at the top level after being a prolific scorer in the Championship.

The manager said: “I was delighted with Sylvan on Saturday, because it was definitely better from him. I thought he put a shift in – he might not have got his chances but he just kept grafting, and that’s what I want.”

McCarthy believes the double Golden Boot winner is beginning to forge a partnership with £6.5million record signing Kevin Doyle.

The Wolves boss added: “I thought they were great last weekend, they did far better. Neither really had any chances, but I thought they both worked their socks off and they make us a better team when they’re like that.

“Partnerships don’t just happen – they have to work at it – but they made it work on Saturday far better than they have done. ESylvan still hasn’t really had any chances but he and Kevin really battled awayand they provided us with a real base that we could play off far, far better.”