Stearman call makes it a record

Richard Stearman's call-up to the England under-21s means Wolves have a club record three players in the squad for Friday's Wembley qualifier.

Stearman, who has been called up once before but not played, was drafted in by coach Stuart Pearce after injuries ruled out Manchester City duo Micah Richards and Michael Johnson and Villa's Craig Gardner.

The 20-year-old joins team-mates Michael Kightly and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake for the clash against Portugal. Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said: "It's great news – I'd like to think it says something about what we've got here.

"It's three players we've signed in the last two years and all of us are absolutely delighted. It's recognition for how they've played and their improvement and it's great to think they've got the chance of playing at Wembley.

"It's like the candles on the cake because normally these games are held at the provincial grounds around the country."

Stearman said: "I'm delighted. Sylv's got his first call-up and Kights is there as well and I know a few of the other boys. It's a great honour for Wolves to have three players involved when we're outside the Premier League. It bodes well for Wolves' future."

Meanwhile, McCarthy has revealed Darren Potter is off the transfer list – and Mark Davies would have gone on loan to League Two Notts County in the transfer window had he not been injured.

"He had sore shins and needed to rest, but he'll be alright," said McCarthy. "He was going to go to Notts County for a month, just to get a month's football.

"We've taken Darren Potter off the list and he's delighted. He's going to fight for his place, so we've got four central midfielders who have played much more football than Mark Davies."