Cautious Mick McCarthy insists Wolves are “still looking over our shoulders” despite climbing to the relative safety of 14th.

Saturday’s goalless draw against Everton left the team five points clear of the drop zone with six games left after Hull beat Fulham 2-0. But Wolves are up one place in the Premier League on goal difference, after Bolton’s 4-0 home defeat to Manchester United.

The combination of results left McCarthy’s side in their highest position since December 20, while they equalled their longest unbeaten run in the Premier League after making it four games without defeat.

But publicly at least, McCarthy is refusing to contemplate survival yet.

He said: “We’re still looking over our shoulders at relegation, but we can also look at one or two above us because there are teams in far worse situations than ours.

“So we’re not almost there. We’re enjoying the recent results but we’re not going to be dancing on the dugout with our drawers in the air saying we’re staying up. When we weren’t doing well we were getting a bit of ‘aggro’ and we were trying to stave it off a little bit.

“So when we’re having a few good results and are getting a pat on the back we’re not going to get carried away. We just need to keep scrapping away like we have done all season and keep picking the points up.

“When it’s mathematically certain that we’ll finish above three teams – then I’ll get rid of my poker face.

“We’ve got to make that happen though. We’ve dragged a few into it and Hull have concertina-d it up a little bit. But we’ll just keep concentrating on what we’re doing.

“We’re just a point better off and just have to make sure we get more than three other teams. My mantra won’t change on that, there’s no other target despite everyone trying to get me to give one.

“I’ll take one goal more than anyone else if it means we stay up – goal difference or whatever, by hook or by crook.”

McCarthy is not bothered about their rivals’ results because of his belief their destiny lies in their hands.

He said: “I’m not bothered about looking at them because it’s always been about us. We can’t affect anybody else’s results.”