Richard Stearman's call to strikers

Wolves defender Richard Stearman has called on the club's strikers to prove there is life after Kevin Doyle.

Manager Mick McCarthy has already decided on the nine-goal top scorer's replacement for tomorrow's clash at Newcastle.

The Wolves boss will stick with a 4-5-1 formation, after Sylvan Ebanks-Blake got the nod ahead of Steven Fletcher.

Stearman himself came in from the cold in October when Jody Craddock suffered a hip injury.

And, after a modest start, the 23-year-old has emerged as one of Wolves' best players this year, keeping the man previously described by McCarthy as Wolves' best defender on the sidelines.

Stearman said: "I had to wait my chance and I think that's one of the qualities we all have within the dressing room.

"The boys don't get too disheartened when they're not in the team because they know if they work hard, a chance will come.

"It's up to us to be ready to take that chance when it comes otherwise they don't come around again.

"That's what the boys up top have to do tomorrow."

Stearman is confident both strikers will fill the breach.

He said: "The other strikers have all produced the goods when coming off the bench, so, while we're disappointed to lose Doyle, we've got great strength in depth in that position."

Newcastle have only won one in 10 but Stearman reckons they will make light of losing £35m striker Andy Carroll to Liverpool.

And the centre-back backed Wolves not to rise to the inevitable intimidation due after the feisty 1-1 draw at Molineux in August.

He said: "Newcastle lost their talisman but have got a great squad. I'm sure the atmosphere will be lively and it's one we're all keen to be involved in.

"We don't fear anything and are confident in what we can achieve.

"Hopefully we will rise to the occasion and pick up the points."