Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will almost certainly tweak his side for tonight’s clash against Manchester City – but hinted against wholesale changes.

Stephen Ward’s dismissal at Anfield forces McCarthy into at least one change, while the boss revealed after the 2-0 Boxing Day defeat to Liverpool wide men Kevin Foley and Matt Jarvis were “running on empty”.

But strikers Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and midfielder Nenad Milijas should all be ready to start after playing around an hour against the Reds.

George Elokobi is expected to replace Ward, after he came on on Saturday.

“There are a few tired legs – I think Matt Jarvis and Kevin Foley were running on empty because they put a shift in,” said the boss.

“Sylvan walked out of the dressing room like an old man, so we’ll have to take a look at it.

“But if we can perform again tonight, especially after the half an hour with 10 men, I’ll be delighted.

“We’ll be expecting to win which we’ll try to do.

“City played on Saturday too. I think they might have a slightly bigger squad than I’ve got, but I’ll see how all the players feel before I make a decision.”

Doyle insists he will be ready to play against City. “I’ll be fine having only played 58 minutes,” said the £6.5m record signing.

“We’re at home, we’re up for it and we’re still full of confidence because we put up a good fight against Liverpool and we’re ready to put on a good show against Manchester City.”