Wolves boss is backing Marcus Bent

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has backed striker Marcus Bent to add a physical presence to his attack and insisted his arrival meant no one's place was safe up front.

Bent made his debut for the club in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burton Albion at Compton yesterday.

The on-loan Birmingham forward didn't score after playing just over an hour in the 3-0 win, but showed all his trademark qualities that have made him a thorn in defenders' sides down the years.

With Kevin Doyle back to his best after two Man of the Match performances with the Republic of Ireland, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake firing on all cylinders and Steven Fletcher expected to be fit for Saturday's trip to Fulham, McCarthy has some exciting options up front.

The manager said: "Nobody is a 'shoe-in' any more are they?

"Everyone anticipated it would be Fletcher and Doyle as first choice, but Sylvan scored his couple of goals and has played out of his skin.

"Now we've got Marcus in as well who will give us more competition for places. He will add something.

"He's big, quick and powerful and I remember when he played against us here with Cameron Jerome against Michael Mancienne and Richard Stearman he didn't 'half rough us up.'

"He caused us problems by his presence - all the qualities he has are what defenders don't like playing against.

"He's quick, good in the air, he backs into people and he's got a goal in him. He's only 32 and had a real tough time with his hamstring last year.

"But whenever he's played against any of my teams he's been a real handful."

Eyebrows among fans were raised at the signing of the much-travelled Bent.

But, despite a lack of action last season, McCarthy said the former Everton, Charlton and Ipswich forward is in excellent shape.

The Wolves boss said: "I'm delighted we've brought him in. He's done well in training and did all the fitness testing before he came and had a good medical – he's in good shape.

"He did really well at Everton but everywhere he has been he's made an impact. He's hungry to do it as well which is great.

"The instant I asked if he wanted to come he said 'yes, fantastic' and that was good enough for me."