Wolves strikers get Mick vote

Boss Mick McCarthy today delivered a vote of confidence in first-choice strike force Stephen Elliott and Andy Keogh - and defended his decision to keep Freddy Eastwood on the bench.

Wolves were outstanding at Plymouth, but couldn't put away a dogged Argyle side - despite creating 22 chances in an impressive performance.

McCarthy kept top scorer Eastwood on the bench for the entire game and defended that decision today, insisting his first-choice partnership created most of the chances they missed.

The Wolves boss is set to retain Keogh and Elliott for the trip to Leicester tomorrow night, leaving the £1.5m man on the bench again.

"I can understand people seeing that we've not scored goals and asking 'Why isn't Freddy playing?'

"But let me tell you those two created a lot of those chances with their pace and movement and athleticism at times."They missed a first- half chance, but we wouldn't have had that chance if they weren't playing.

"The running by Keogh and Elliott created that - I don't think there is anyone else who would have done that. OK, it didn't end up in the net, but it wouldn't have materialised otherwise.

"I thought Jay's performance in the reserves warranted him being put on. He was excellent and got up and down the pitch well when he came on.

"But I thought the performance was terrific and the front pairing were great. We need more goals from somewhere - we had enough chances on Saturday - but I would like us to keep playing like that."

McCarthy insists his side's lack of cutting edge is not causing him cause for concern yet - and felt refereeing decisions contributed to the draw.

"There is no point getting concerned about it because we're playing well. If we can play like that we'll be okay," he said.

"Little things went against us - I didn't say much about the challenge on Jody for their goal but I was peeved about it.

"He pulled his shirt and I can see it, and it's cost us a goal."

Wolves are sweating on the fitness of winger Stephen Ward ahead of tomorrow's trip to Leicester. He has a sore knee.