McCarthy backs striker Doyle
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has reaffirmed his faith in striker Kevin Doyle despite his lack of goals during the current campaign.
The Republic of Ireland striker will go into tonight’s home clash against Norwich with just two Barclays Premier League goals to his credit during the current campaign.
Steven Fletcher has been the main marksman and has netted a total of 15 goals in his last 23 league games including the second part of last season.
But McCarthy’s belief in Doyle has never wavered as Wolves look to move away from the relegation zone with victory over the Canaries.
McCarthy said: “I have faith in Kevin. Of course, we hope it turns for him.
“I don’t know how many chances we’ve created for him and, of course, he’s always whole-hearted.
“He puts everything he’s got into the games.
“Things go against you in games and don’t seem to be going for you and he just needs something to run for him.”
McCarthy believes Wolves winger Matt Jarvis has regained the form which won him an England cap.
Jarvis won his international call-up last season against Ghana at Wembley after a string of fine performances only for his performances to dip during the early part of the current campaign.
But he impressed McCarthy during the defeats against Manchester United at Old Trafford and then Stoke at Molineux on Saturday.
McCarthy said: “I think Jarvo has been excellent, certainly in the last two games.
“Against Manchester United, he was terrific and the reality is he caused havoc for 20 minutes against Stoke.
“Jarvo was excellent and it is great to see him back at his best. It means he must be back to the form which earned him an England call.”
McCarthy is also aware of the need for his team to start keeping clean sheets after none in 13 games and they have looked vulnerable at set pieces.
He said: “I’m concerned about everything but if you shore it up and don’t concede then you are certain of a point.
“We’ve not been able to do that for a while. A clean sheet would be fantastic.”
McCarthy is hoping to add to his squad in January and expects to have the backing of club owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey.
He said: “We are looking and freshening it up always helps. We have spoken about it but I wouldn’t discuss what we can spend or what we can do.
“All I know is that forever and always they have been very supportive and if we get the right players, Steve and Jez have been supportive and we’ve been able to do it.”
Midfielders Jamie O’Hara and Dave Edwards are again ruled out through injury.
