Wolves close derby gap: Mick

Mick McCarthy believes his Wolves side have closed the Black Country derby gap which cost them a promotion chance last season.

McCarthy took his team back to the scene of their promotion play-off semi-final heartache for yesterday's 155th Black Country derby and watched them emerge with a point from an honours-even contest.

It was another heartening signal for McCarthy at his team's steady advances during six derby battles in a little more than a year.

Wolves were well beaten 3-0 in the corresponding fixture in October 2006 and went on to lose three of the four which followed as the team was steadily rebuilt by McCarthy.

But with his side checking Albion's electric recent form in a goalless draw preserved by Wayne Hennessey's dramatic 85th minute penalty save yesterday, the Molineux boss believes Wolves are once more the match of their fierce rivals.

"We came here as underdogs last season and there wasn't a doubt that they had the edge," he said.

"But we have come back today and matched them in terms of power, pace, technical ability - last year I don't think we were able to do that. We had to play right at the top of our game just to match them and that is very demanding.

"I think this performance undoubtedly shows we have made progress since then. Albion are a good side and Tony Mowbray has got them playing some great stuff. But we have matched them and that is good for us."

The point was enough to keep Wolves tucked in with the pack chasing leaders Watford . And they will do so with a new hero enshrined in derby folklore after Welsh international Hennessey left the Hawthorns stage with the fans singing his name following his brilliant penalty save from Zoltan Gera.

Michael Kightly is ready to rule himself out of Wednesday's home clash with Colchester.

Kightly twisted his ankle badly during his yesterday's Black Country derby and emerged after the game on crutches. He is due for a scan on the injury today.