Mick McCarthy today summoned Wolves for another mammoth effort to topple Liverpool on Boxing Day – after earning the Reds’ respect with their recent run.

The Molineux boss believes his players can win at Anfield if they repeat the marathon effort at Tottenham that sparked the selection controversy three days later at Old Trafford.

“If they don’t play well and we play as well as we can then of course we can win – we proved that at Spurs,” said McCarthy.

“We’ll have to be at our best and if we are, and they have an off day, we can get something from the game.”

McCarthy also believes Wolves have earned the right not to be treated lightly as they look to continue Liverpool’s woes. A run of three wins in their last four means they go to Anfield on the crest of a wave.

By contrast, Rafa Benitez’s side have lost three of their last four and seven in 17 including their exit from the Champions League, while Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres continue to play through groin injuries and Javier Mascherano is banned for four games.

And, with Wolves having won at Tottenham and Wigan, McCarthy believes they have earned Liverpool’s respect.

“I read recently that because Liverpool had got Wolves on Boxing Day, it was a chance to turn it around,” he said.

“That’s what most people think but I don’t think they would think that inside Anfield or their training ground.

“I can’t imagine for one minute that anyone in this league treats anyone else lightly. Because of the nature of the game they can all be difficult.

“When you consider we’ve been to Wigan and Tottenham and won, and Everton and Stoke and drawn, I don’t think anyone will treat us lightly.”