The McNash diaries: Wolves on tour
Wolves have headed off on their pre-season tour of Scotland, with correspondent Tim Nash in close pursuit and keeping a daily record.
Only the Wolves substitutes who came on in the Motherwell game were involved in yesterday's training session.
There was one notable inclusion to swell the numbers to 14 – manager Mick McCarthy. McCarthy might be 49 but the boss showed he has kept impressive fitness levels by starring in the small-sided game.
In fact, the former Barnsley, Manchester City, Celtic, Millwall and Republic of Ireland defender set up the two last goals of the near two-hour session.
First, he won possession before squaring to Dave Edwards for a slide rule finish past Wayne Hennessey and then he found Sam Vokes for the winner.
In between, he was narrowly off target with a fierce drive that just flew over in a display far more subtle than his record as an uncompromising centre-half suggests.
He was ever the realist afterwards as he modestly played down his efforts.
He said: "I only came on towards the end when I knew the others were getting tired. I might have warmed up but I'll be walking around like the Tin Man tomorrow."
Wolves aren't the only Championship club staying in this part of Scotland – or the only club training on the same pitches!
Burnley, who had their final tour game last night against Clarets boss Owen Coyle's former club St Johnstone, are staying around 15 miles away in Glasgow.
If Wolves' players think they have been busy with eight friendlies, they can spare a thought for their Lancashire rivals.
Burnley are in the middle of nine, spread across the USA (two), Scotland (three) Northern Ireland (one) and England (three).
Wolves were joined at training yesterday by Scottish First Division side Clyde, who used the adjoining pitch.
"Maybe we could have a friendly!" remarked one of their players on a jog past the Wolves squad.
When the players aren't training, eating or sleeping, there is little to do – except Nintendo. The players' competitive streak is tested to the maximum by the popular games console.
Our spies inform us the Nintendo king is left-back George Elokobi. And the worst? Fellow defender Mark Little.