Boss challenges Wolves youngster

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today welcomed back Mark Little from Northampton with a challenge to realise his potential.

Little is back at Molineux and ready to rejoin the club's play-off push after impressing on a 93-day loan with the League One side, who still have fellow Molineux player Daniel Jones for the season.

The 19-year-old defender has impressed at Sixfields, where Stuart Gray's side have lost just three of the 17 games he's played.

And McCarthy has challenged Little to reproduce the form that saw him play regularly in the first half of last season.

"Mark played really well last season, but the reality is he should be a better player," said McCarthy.

"But with a lot of young lads, it doesn't always follow that they will be as consistent as they were.

"They play three at the back at Northampton and he's done well at right-back and centre-back.

"He's playing week in, week out and that's where you improve."

Little admits he's got to step it up if he's to challenge again.

"Last year we did well when the young lads were playing and this year it's been more difficult for us," he said.

"We've not been involved but I don't think it's down to our age, it's down to performances.

"The young players aren't doing what Mick McCarthy needs them to do in his team at the moment.

"I don't think it's about age – Mick is a fair man and if you're outstanding you'll get in the team however old you are."

Little is determined to challenge for a place, adding: "It'll be great to get back to Wolves and see if I can get back in the side.

"Hopefully Mick McCarthy will have been getting some good reports about me. I'll be looking to prove what I'm capable of."

McCarthy has ruled out any loan departures on a permanent basis.