Former Wolves defender Denis Irwin believes his old club have a far better chance of surviving in the Premier League than when he played for the club.

As one of Manchester United’s greatest full-backs and having also helped Wolves to promotion, Irwin will be an interested spectator when two of his former clubs meet at Old Trafford tonight.

The former Republic of Ireland international believes boss Mick McCarthy has invested in better quality players than six years ago when he was part of the ultimately doomed survival bid under Dave Jones.

Irwin said: “When you’re fighting relegation you need somebody who will score at least 10 or 12 goals for you. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake now has a great opportunity to test himself in the top flight and in Kevin Doyle they have a striker with experience.

“I definitely think the players Mick McCarthy bought in the summer are of a higher standard than the ones that were at Wolves when I was promoted with them.

“It won’t be easy, but I think they can stay up if they can produce consistent results at home.”

Irwin also believes United should beware Wolves’ tactic of shocking them with an early goal – just like they did to pave their way to back-to-back wins against Bolton and Tottenham.

He said: “I don’t think Wolves are the sort of team to set their stall out and play defensively. United are missing a few defenders so they might fancy their chances of nicking a goal through Kevin Doyle and then keeping it tight at the back.

“The experience of someone like Jody Craddock could always come into play, but it’s going to be tough.”

The boyhood Wolves fan added: “I supported Wolves when I was growing up in Cork.”