Kevin Doyle could play bit-part role

Kevin Doyle was today facing the prospect of returning to Wolves action from the bench at Sunderland.

The £6.5million striker has been out for seven weeks with torn medial ligaments in his left knee but has come through full training without reaction.

However, manager Mick McCarthy has hinted the Republic of Ireland international might not be ready for a recall to the starting line-up tomorrow lunch-time.

The Wolves boss said: "He's been out for seven weeks. Does someone come back and are they as good after seven weeks? I'm not sure they do.

"Doyle was a bit of a talisman so there are all those things to consider and, at 11.45am tomorrow, you'll find out what I've decided.

"You can speculate all you like."

Instead, McCarthy hailed the impact of in-form strike duo Steven Fletcher and Stephen Ward.

Fletcher has hit four in four games to become Wolves' 11-goal top scorer aided by the tireless Ward.

McCarthy "Having Doyle fit was great at that time, but the two lads up front recently have been excellent.

"Since losing Doyle, we've had to change the way we play and thankfully for me, along came Stephen Ward, who's one of the guys you can't give enough praise to.

"I think Fletcher appreciates the graft he puts in. Fletcher's in terrific form, and when we needed someone to rise to the challenge with Doyle being out, he's done that."

Tomorrow's opponents Sunderland, who were already without 10 injured players, today lost an 11th.

The Black Cats have sent midfielder Sulley Muntari back to Inter Milan because if he plays one more game on loan they have to buy him.

Jordan Cook, who has just returned from a loan spell at Walsall, is likely to replace him on the bench.