Stephen Hunt in line for Wolves debut

Stephen Hunt was today told he has a 'real chance' of making his Wolves debut at Chelsea this Saturday.

The £3m Ireland winger has figured in two reserve games now after almost nine months out with a serious foot injury.

Hunt was cautious of his chances of figuring against the champions yesterday, despite getting 72 minutes in the reserves' 3-2 defeat at Villa on Monday.

But boss Mick McCarthy feels the 29-year-old could well play at Stamford Bridge.

"He's got a real chance of being involved on Saturday," said McCarthy.

"He'd have liked to have been involved against West Ham but after 45 minutes in the last eight months it was probably a bit much to ask.

"We've got 30 league games left. So for the sake of one game, it was about taking the right viewpoint."

McCarthy didn't want to risk putting Hunt on the bench last Saturday in case he had to bring him on for most of the game.

"He might have been available for the last 10-15 minutes," said the boss.

"But what would have happened if someone had got injured after five minutes like Jody Craddock and he was my sub for that position? Then I'd be thinking 'I'm not sure he'll get through 85 minutes'."

"I'd have had to put somebody else on, or he would have got so knackered he would have strained a hamstring or a calf.

"It can't be done."

Meanwhile, McCarthy revealed Richard Stearman will replace Jody Craddock if the latter fails to recover from his hip injury sustained on Saturday.

"Stearman has earned that right to be in there," said the boss.

"Steven Mouyokolo has been injured, so he couldn't have been available.

"George Elokobi has always been on the bench, but Stearman got into the game and put in a very good performance.

"He was 'match-ready' because of how he's applied himself - he's done it right and was excellent.

"He's had some disappointments and, like all of them, feels he should be playing.

"But when they get the opportunity, they've got to prove they should be playing.

"And maybe Stearman has got a case because he played well."