Softly, softly for Seyi

The Nigerian playmaker was the only outfield player not to get a run-out during Wednesday's clash with Bray, and the Wolves boss will continue to use his midfield ace sparingly ahead of the Championship kick off on August 11.

After starring for Nigeria in their African Nations Cup qualifiers in June Olofinjana has only had 10 days off all summer – and McCarthy does not want to risk an injury to one of his key men.

"Seyi didn't play against Bray but he just played a game three or four weeks ago for Nigeria and then came straight back into training," he said. "He came cycling with us last week and has done everything we've done and he's fit as a fiddle anyway.

"I said to him that we were going to rest him because we've got to remember he's got the African Nations Cup in January as well. It will be non-stop for him – he probably needs the break."

Wolves face the prospect of losing the midfielder at the turn of the year when he departs for the finals in Ghana.

Depending on how Nigeria fare McCarthy could be without his influential midfielder for at least four games during a crucial period.

"We've got to think about him being away for the African Nations Cup. We'll miss him as well because we'll lose him but we're not thinking too much about that at the moment because its a long way down the line."

Meanwhile, Olofinjana is entering the final year of his Wolves contract but McCarthy insists he is "relaxed" about the situation.

Wolves are yet to tie him to an extended deal, but there is no chance of the club letting him go."