Frustrated Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today hit out at the booking which has left midfielder Karl Henry suspended for the latest “must-win” clash against Sunderland this Sunday.

The in-form midfielder receiving his fifth caution of the season in the 3-0 defeat at Chelsea for bundling over Ramires, meaning he sits out the next game with a one-match ban.

It was alleged the Brazilian stamped on Henry – who turned 29 on Saturday – but McCarthy was happy with the decisions, apart from the yellow card to his former skipper.

“I didn’t see it (alleged stamp) but I didn’t have a problem with anything that went on except Karl’s booking,” fumed McCarthy.

“It was never a booking as long as I’ve got a hole in my backside.

“It was the most ridiculous booking, really poor.

“He won the ball, but that’s the way things are going at the minute.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy is hoping to have four other players available this weekend.

Kevin Doyle missed Saturday’s game with a knee injury sustained in training last Thursday, while another absentee, Richard Stearman, could play with his broken wrist in a carbon fibre cast.

Midfielders Jamie O’Hara and Stephen Hunt are available after suspension.

All bar Hunt had been Premier League ever-presents until Saturday, a record Henry now loses.

“I hope Doyle will be fit – I’d like everyone to be fit,” said McCarthy.

“We want Jamie and everyone else back as well.”

Three-nil down at the interval, McCarthy said the second half was all about salvaging pride to reward the 1,500 Wolves fans.

“A lot of our fans had paid £50 for tickets and we had to give them something,” he said. “I thought the fans were fabulous.

“We probably didn’t brighten their day up much but at least they saw a performance of heart and spirit in the second half.”

Plusses were few but McCarthy was impressed with midfielder Anthony Forde.

The 17-year-old Dubliner made history as Wolves’ first outfield academy graduate to make his Premier League debut under McCarthy when he replaced Ronald Zubar after 75 minutes.

“It was great to get Anthony on – he put a couple of great crosses in from that right side,” said the boss.

“He looked confident taking Ashley Cole on, which was nice to see.

“I’ve got high hopes for him.”