Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has put the Championship on alert for the gathering momentum of the Black Country promotion challenge.McCarthy watched his team overcome the loss of three key figures to register a 1-0 defeat of Colchester last night which took them fourth at the end of a turbulent week of results for fellow challengers.

But he admitted that Albion’s victory at high-riding Plymouth was another signal of the Baggies capabilities as last season’s play-off semi-final rivals once again shape up for a powerful promotion challenge.

McCarthy reckons the intensity of Sunday’s Hawthorns mini-classic took its toll on his squad as they struggled to find any form either side of Stephen Elliott’s 31st minute match-winner.

“We came out of a huge game on Sunday where we played terrific,” he said.

“I’m not trying to make excuses but I could understand why we found it difficult in this game – Colchester are not expected to come here and do well, our fans expect us to win, we’re supposedly one of the better teams and all the usual ‘gubbins’ that goes with it.

“But that game on Sunday took a lot out of us, physically and emotionally. It was a terrific match – two good teams, chances for both sides and lots of good football.

“I admire Tony Mowbray and the way he wants his team to play and if that is an affront to anybody then I apologise.

“But I like to see teams play that way and I think Tony appreciates the way we try to play too. There is a mutual respect.”

McCarthy has seen Wolves stay within four points of second-placed Albion who have slashed leaders Watford’s advantage to just two points.

The Baggies tough road trips continue with Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace while Wolves are at home again, to Preston.

But having declared Watford to be the team to catch, McCarthy clearly believes Sunday’s derby cracker confirmed that the old rivals will again figure strongly in the race to the Premiership.