Shackell's off for Jason

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has backed no-nonsense Jason Shackell to 'rough up' centre forwards when he gets his big chance to start.

Shackell is expected to replace the suspended Richard Stearman for Saturday's trip to Watford, as Wolves seek a cure for the defensive ills that have seen them concede 12 goals in four games.

McCarthy believes the 25-year-old former Norwich captain has all the qualities to snuff out Championship attacks, as he looks forward to his first start after six appearances as substitute.

The Wolves boss said: "As a centre-half, you have to dominate centre-forwards – you have to 'rough them up,' because you want strikers coming off the pitch thinking 'I don't want to play against those two again!

"I expect my centre-halves to be competitive and Jason has already picked up on what I want.

"He says he can do his defensive duties first and foremost, so he'll do for me, but he's also got a good left foot as well.

"Despite him 'doing what it says on the tin', I also like my defenders to pass it to one another too and he's capable of doing that."

Shackell's uncompromising approach has to led to comparisons between him and McCarthy. The Wolves chief revealed he came highly recommended – from a former Celtic team-mate.

McCarthy added: "Jason can't remember me playing, so maybe his gran's told him! But 'Granty' (Albion coach Peter Grant) recommended him highly to me."