Same again for McCarthy

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is set to name unchanged line-up for a third successive game for Saturday's latest survival collision at Bolton.

The Molineux chief, who has earned a reputation for regularly changing his team this season in a bid to find a winning formula, has Michael Mancienne available again after ineligibility prevented him facing his parent club Chelsea last weekend.

But he was so impressed with the players' application in Saturday's 2-0 defeat that he hinted at retaining faith with the same XI at the Reebok that fell harshly to the Premier League leaders 2-0 and beat Tottenham 1-0.

"Nobody will be getting in the team at the minute," said McCarthy. "The team were very good – excellent."

McCarthy says the players have gained confidence from playing 4-5-1 over the last five league games and are happy playing that way.

And he revealed his satisfaction at the way Kevin Foley – described by critics as a square peg in a round hole – has adapted to his new role at wide right in the absence of the injured Michael Kightly, Dave Edwards and Andy Keogh.

"They're all comfortable with the system, it's suiting us and we've had chances," said the boss.

"People tell me Kevin Foley is a full-back but he's played really well for us in that position.

"He keeps the ball and but for a world class save he would have scored the equaliser against Chelsea.

"He had a couple of chances at Birmingham as well.

"It's definitely suiting us to play the way we're playing.

"Playing one up front hopefully makes us able to stay in games.

"The result on Saturday didn't come because of the shape of the team, the organisation or tactics, or the way we played.

"The lads would all say they're more than comfortable playing the way we're playing.

"We're creating just as many chances as we've done all season, but we've looked more solid."

Sticking with the same side means more frustration for fringe players such as Stefan Maierhofer and McCarthy admits it is difficult to see a way back for the little-used Austrian at the moment.

"I'm sure Stefan will be wondering where his games are going to come from, but we'll see," he said.