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Mick’s urge for axed Wolves defender
Wednesday 4th May 2011, 12:38PM BST.
Axed Wolves defender Christophe Berra has been told to react like Stephen Ward to win his place back after boss Mick McCarthy admitted he had to change things.
Berra was dropped for the first time for a league game in his Wolves career in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham, after 11 goals against the team in four games.
His replacement Michael Mancienne played his first match in central defence since Blackburn away in September 2009.
The on-loan Chelsea defender was at fault for Sebastian Larsson’s equaliser, but otherwise had little trouble dealing with isolated threats after the hosts were reduced to 10 men following Craig Gardner’s dismissal.
McCarthy’s decision came after several below-par performances from Berra, who cost £2.3million from Hearts in January 2009.
And the Wolves boss believes he had little choice.
He explained: “Quite clearly if I changed the team, it was necessary, but why I thought it was necessary is really for the players rather than everyone else.
“But if you concede 11 goals in four games then there might be some suggestion that something needs doing.”
McCarthy is a huge admirer of Ward’s ability to slot in anywhere even after being dropped.
The manager said: “The message is – take a leaf out of Stephen Ward’s book, or anyone who gets left out of the team.
“Steven Fletcher couldn’t get in the side because Kevin Doyle was playing well, but he’s come back in and has scored a couple of goals and has played well.
“They must stay focused.”
The Wolves boss was happy with Mancienne’s performance despite his error.
McCarthy said: “The fact Mancienne made a mistake doesn’t mean he had a bad performance because he didn’t, he played well.”
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