Stearman vows to fight for place

Richard Stearman has become Wolves' "forgotten man" – but vowed to follow Jody Craddock's example by forcing his way back into the team.

Stearman has been limited to just a minute of Premier League action since his sending off in the 2-0 defeat against Wigan on January 16.

That was 14 games ago, since when Stearman has been involved in a cameo in the 2-2 draw at Hull and Wolves have changed formation to 4-5-1, enjoying some solid results.

The 22-year-old scored for the reserves in their 4-1 win over a young West Ham at Telford last night and he believes he is doing the right things to get noticed by McCarthy again.

"I feel like the forgotten man at the moment but it was good to get a runout to keep the fitness up," said Stearman.

"I've felt ready for the first team since I first came out of the side.

"It's just about biding my time and waiting for my chance and grabbing a goal puts my name out there.

"You'd like to think performances in training and in the reserves will count.

"It's just a case of knuckling down and hopefully the manager will remember what I've done and if I get my chance, then great."

Craddock has been discarded by McCarthy twice but at 34, he is the club's best defender.

"I've got nothing but respect for Jody for the way he's been," said Stearman.

"The club were looking to offload him and he's shown absolute professionalism and demonstrated how good he is.

"You can see in the way he trains and plays that he's got every right to be in there."

Stearman admits he is frustrated but accepts his exile.

"The lads have done really well and picked up a few points so it's part and parcel of the game," he said.

"I felt I was having a great season up until the Wigan game, then I got sent off and I haven't featured again."

Regarding his dismissal for a second yellow card for pulling down James McCarthy, Stearman wishes he could turn back the clock.

"Hindsight is a beautiful thing – if it happened again I wouldn't have pulled him down then I might still be in the team!" he said.

"But it's a learning curve and I'll look to take my chance if I get it."