Richard Stearman backed for an extended run

Wolves' 'bounce-back' man Richard Stearman has the stomach for an extended run in the team, declared boss Mick McCarthy today.

Jody Craddock has been ruled out for up to a further two months with continued problems with his hip and thigh, while Steven Mouyokolo was only returned to full training today after back trouble.

Wolves' other regular centre-back, Christophe Berra, is available to return at Blackburn this Saturday after a one-match ban.

And it would appear that Stearman will keep his place, despite a braveheart performance by left-back George Elokobi at the heart of the defence in the welcome 3-2 win over Sunderland last Saturday.

McCarthy has pinned his hopes on Stearman, who has recovered from errors against Manchester City, Arsenal, Bolton and Sunderland to not let them affect his form since replacing Craddock eight games ago.

The 23-year-old gave away a penalty against City, was beaten in the air for goals scored by the Gunners and Bolton, when he scored an own goal, while his error led to Darren Bent scoring for the Black Cats last weekend.

"I think Stearman has done well since he's come into the side," said the boss.

"I'm sure he wasn't too happy with the first goal we conceded on Saturday.

"He also gave the penalty away against Man City but he went on to play well in that game.

"He's doing fine.

"Maybe he doesn't let things bother him — he lets me worry about that!"

Publicly at least, McCarthy remains non-committal about Berra's chances," he said.

"I'll worry about that later in the week — I'm not concerning myself with that at the minute.

"Let's just get through training first and any bugs that are flying around."

And the Molineux chief also insisted Ronald Zubar ready for extended run after the heroic display against Sunderland.

"He's fine. I thought he was fabulous on Saturday," he said.

Meanwhile, McCarthy hinted he may not splash out on a left-back replacement for £2.5m Jelle Van Damme, who left for Standard Liege this week after five months with Wolves.

"We've got Jarvis and Hunt who can both play wide left and Ward and George (Elokobi) who are both doing well. So we'll see," said the boss.