Mick McCarthy’s pledge on Stoke clash
Thursday 27th January 2011, 1:30PM GMT.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today pledged to select a strong team for Sunday’s FA Cup tie – as he predicted a footballing test against opponents Stoke.
Jody Craddock, Steven Mouyokolo, George Elokobi and Dave Edwards all played 90 minutes in Tuesday’s 2-0 reserve defeat to Albion, while Sam Vokes figured for an hour.
All five could feature in the fourth round clash as McCarthy uses his options ahead of two games in the following six days against Bolton and Manchester United. New signings Adam Hammill and Leigh Griffiths are cup-tied and suspended respectively.
McCarthy may even play the same back four used in the second string in midweek — right-back Matt Doherty, Craddock, Mouyokolo and Elokobi — in place of Ronald Zubar, Richard Stearman, Christophe Berra and Stephen Ward, knowing he will not alter the strength of the team.
“It’s a game we want to win and we’ll play a strong team,” said the boss. “Providing there’s no trouble with them, I’ll have Dave Edwards, Jody Craddock, Steven Mouyokolo and George Elokobi.”
McCarthy is convinced that Stoke, who made 10 changes for their first tie at Cardiff, play more football than their physical reputation gives them credit for, although it will be difficult for both sides in the Molineux mud.
“We’ll expect the usual test but I think they’re a better footballing team this year,” said the boss. “And he’ll be expecting the same from me – my usual, competitive team that doesn’t give anything up lightly.
“We all know we’ve got to deal with Rory’s throws and their free-kicks and corners.
“But we have to do it against everybody else. Man City’s team is just as big – they all came up for setpieces. Everybody gets worried about it in the media, but it’s part and parcel of the game – you’ve got to deal with it.”
Should Wolves lose to Stoke, the Black Country derby at Albion will be brought forward two days to Sunday, February 20.
UK Sport
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