Steven Fletcher priceless to Wolves

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has vowed club-record signing Steven Fletcher will more than prove his £7million price tag.

Former Hibernian striker Fletcher was spared last night's 2-0 win at their fierce rivals Hearts as Wolves reverted to one striker with Kevin Doyle up front on his own for most of the game.

But McCarthy has revealed he will start with 4-4-2 in the Premier League opener against Stoke on August 14 and, after impressive performances in the friendlies, Fletcher looks ready to prove his worth.

McCarthy said: "We've won some and lost some on transfers, but we've won with him because whatever we paid for him, he's worth every penny.

"I'd always been impressed by him, but he's better than I thought which is always nice when you sign someone. He can play with anyone - he's a good footballer and he works hard.

"He got eight goals in the Premier League and 12 in total which gives hope to everyone. And we've had good value for all the others as well.

"We try to get value for money and I think we've had it this summer. We've signed some good players.

"Before we signed him, all I could appreciate about him was what we saw on the pitch.

"But since we signed him, I've been able to see him train on a daily basis and I appreciate him even more."

McCarthy is convinced the £18million splash on five permanent signings plus one loan - a club record for a summer - will prove money well spent.

He said: "I don't know what value for money is anymore when you see what Manchester City are paying for people."

As for Fletcher, McCarthy insisted he has no regrets about missing out on the Scotland international when he was at Hibernian.

He said: "We looked at him when he was at Hibs, but it just never happened and then Burnley signed him.

"I don't beat myself up about not signing him at the time - we have won some and lost some.

"I'm just glad we've got him now."