Wolves skipper set to return
Skipper Gary Breen looks set to return to the fray this weekend against Sheffield Wednesday after reporting good progress on his groin strain.
The defender was taken off after 70 minutes against Watford and was a possible doubt for the trip to Hillsborough.
But McCarthy is now optimistic that his influential captain will be back in time for the clash in South Yorkshire.
However Charlie Mulgrew may be set for another spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the Carling Cup tie.
The left-back was replaced by Jamie Clapham on 30 minutes after hurting the same ankle that forced him out of most of last season.