Wolves going strong to win cup tie

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has admitted the return of his senior brigade is crucial to his team burying underdogs Doncaster.

McCarthy will include returning captains Jody Craddock and Karl Henry - as well as Kevin Doyle - as his senior spine join forces for the first time since October 15 for the FA Cup third round replay at Molineux tonight.

And the manager believes the influence of his skippers is vital as they face the unusual pressure of being expected to win.

He said: "We are expected to go through and we have got to handle that pressure. That presents us with a different set of circumstances to what we are used to.

"But it's a strong side - Jody and Karl are both starting, Doyle's playing and there will be a couple of other changes.

"So we've got a couple of players back who make a difference and that means there shouldn't be any dipping of performance or people thinking 'it's not Manchester City, it's Doncaster.'

"I'm delighted because it's vital that they're both back. They're two vastly experienced players. Jody and Karl are team captains and they want to play in a winning side.

"I don't know how many teams would continue as if nothing happened without both captains.

"This is a fantastic game for them and it gives the other lads a break."

McCarthy is keen to continue the momentum of performance which has seen Wolves beat Chelsea and Liverpool and score three at Manchester City on Saturday.

He said: "I want to win this game - it doesn't do anyone any favours if we get beat. That's why winning this cup tie would help foster that feelgood factor.

"And if I'm picking a team for Saturday and have Jody, Karl and Steven Mouyokolo, it just looks far better for us.

"That back-up is important in terms of the games we've got coming."

David Edwards trained yesterday but won't be involved tonight, while fellow hamstring victim Ebanks-Blake is set to return to training by next week.

McCarthy added: "If he trains next week, maybe he'll be fit for the following game.

"Kevin Foley will be 10 to 14 days with his ankle."