Kevin Doyle in fear of axe at Wolves

Kevin Doyle today admitted he is living in fear of the axe for the first time as a Wolves player.

The £6.5million striker has scored just two goals this season despite being a Premier League ever-present, but is expected to retain his place as a lone frontman in the 4-5-1 formation ahead of fit-again Steven Fletcher.

With Wolves forced into a minimum of three changes for tomorrow's clash at Chelsea as Richard Stearman is out with a broken wrist and Jamie O'Hara and Stephen Hunt are suspended, Doyle fears for his own place.

The Republic of Ireland international said: "With the run we've been on I don't think anyone is massively staking a claim to keep their own place, including myself.

"All of us are susceptible to be dropped on recent results and, for those coming in, if we get a result then it gives them a chance because positions are open."

Doyle insists tomorrow's daunting challenge is one where Wolves can upset the odds.

McCarthy's men would fall into the drop zone for the first time this season if Bolton beat Everton and Wolves fall to defeat.

But Doyle was part of the side that took the scalps of Manchester United and others last season and believes this is the sort of test where Wolves can cause a shock.

He said: "It's games like this when people least expect us to get anything that we sometimes pick something up.

"More often than not we've actually risen to the challenge and perhaps played better than normal."