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Mick McCarthy: Believe in my Wolves team

Mick McCarthy today urged Wolves' doubters to believe after admitting the only way he will get fans on his side is by beating the drop.

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Mick McCarthy today urged Wolves' doubters to believe after admitting the only way he will get fans on his side is by beating the drop.

Supporters already fear the worst after two points from 15 before Sunday's biggest Black Country derby against Albion, a tally that has left second-bottom Wolves a point from safety.

Boss McCarthy's struggles have been highlighted by the comparative ease of Albion's gallop to safety under new boss Roy Hodgson, who has taken 16 points from his nine games - compared to Wolves' 10.

The Wolves boss wants another Molineux cauldron on Sunday but knows fans, who are itching to see signs of revival, will only respond positively to results.

"We're in the bottom three and the only way you get people onside and believing is if we're on 41 points, we're safe and we've had a great finish to the season," said McCarthy.

"Well, we haven't but there is still the chance to have a great end to the season. We're far from in good shape — if we were, we'd be on 41 points.

"Realistically, though, we can still do it and we all believe we can."

McCarthy challenged fans to make Molineux as inhospitable as possible to gain an advantage over the Baggies.

"It's got to be a vibrant and hostile Molineux because that's what it's like everywhere we go," said the boss.

"We know what it means to us and our fans — they can make a difference.

"Albion will know what it means — I'm sure they will be made acutely aware. But we've got to make sure we perform and not be concerned about anyone else."

McCarthy has challenged Wolves to make it 'six of the best' by producing another good derby result.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Birmingham means McCarthy's men have lost just one of five games against West Midlands rivals this season.

"We've done fine in derbies this season," said the boss. "Villa beat us here in the last minute but we've performed well and I expect the same on Sunday."

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