Shropshire Star

Mick McCarthy today admitted a last-minute change of mind had blocked the Freddy Eastwood loan transfer to Championship neighbours Coventry.

The deal, which saw Coventry willing to commit to a permanent £1.5m purchase in the summer, collapsed in the final hours of yesterday’s loan deadline day to trigger a furious response from their boss Chris Coleman.

He accused Wolves of “appalling” behaviour in pulling out, claimed Eastwood still wanted to go to Coventry and labelled Wolves’ reasons for hanging on to the 24-year-old as “ridiculous.”

But McCarthy hit back today saying: “There was a request from Coventry, and from a number of clubs, to take Freddy.

“Freddy had spoken to me about going somewhere, not because he wants to leave Wolves but because he wants to be playing. And I was sympathetic to that.

“I was prepared to let him go but he’s come on and made a difference in the last two games and I changed my mind which, as far as I’m aware, is my perogative.

“We’re in good shape but if I get two injured in one game suddenly it’s me who will be searching around for a striker.

“In the end, it’s about what’s good for our club. I can’t play everyone and they are not all going to be happy.

“But a contribution from any of the players could make a significant difference and that includes Freddy.”

The events do offer the clearest evidence so far, however, that Eastwood’s Wolves career will come to a close in the summer.

Coventry are furious over the about-turn but appeared to point the finger of blame beyond the manager’s office.

“The player has been fantastic and I have to say the manager was very good but the club itself has been appalling,” said Coleman.

The row erupted as Eastwood prepares to take his now customary place on the bench for tomorrow’s clash at Charlton - the club he rejected last summer.

McCarthy will be strengthened by the return of fit-again defenders Gary Breen and Darren Ward.

But the Edwards boys, both David and Rob, are absent injured.