Edwards adds to injury woe

Wolves' injury woes worsened today after Rob Edwards joined the lengthy list of Molineux's walking wounded.

The defender has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee ligament injury - leaving boss Mick McCarthy perilously short of cover at the back if either Darren Ward or Gary Breen suffer knocks during September's packed league programme.

Edwards limped out of last night's reserve defeat against Walsall after being caught with a late challenge and a scan today confirmed Wolves' worst fears.

It leaves McCarthy with just Neill Collins and inexperienced first-year pro Lee Collins as back-up to his first-choice pairing of Ward and skipper Breen.

McCarthy could call Jody Craddock back from his four-month loan at Stoke but the former skipper is unlikely to return unless Wolves can guarantee him first-team football.The injury is particularly harsh on Edwards, who missed last season's dramatic climax with a knee injury suffered in training.

"Rob has damaged his medial ligament which normally means four to six weeks recovery," boss Mick McCarthy said today.

"It's a disappointment for him, but he'll work hard to get back."

Edwards' injury is the latest blow to McCarthy's plans, which have been hit by the loss of a clutch of first team contenders in the opening month of the season. Jay Bothroyd, Matt Jarvis, Lewis Gobern, Carl Ikeme and cruciate ligament victim Matt Murray are on the sidelines.

There is brighter news for youngster Mark Little, who made his comeback for Wolves reserves last night.

The rookie defender, who played more than 20 games last season, injured his ankle when he stepped on a sprinkler before last month's friendly with Reading, but is now battling back.

He will play in Monday's second-string outing against Oldham after managing 83 minutes for Terry Connor's men last night.

" I'm still not match sharp and the only way you get that is to get as many games in as possible," he said.