Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today insisted he had brought hardman Nigel Quashie to Molineux to prevent “pussyfooting” in his midfield.

The former Albion midfielder’s loan arrival from West Ham for the rest of the season has received a cool reception from the Molineux masses.

Quashie has been sent off six times in his career, but McCarthy believes he has a quality competitor who will add strength to the anchorman role occupied by Karl Henry.

“I want someone who can compete – not someone who’s going to pussyfoot around and just spray passes,” said the boss.

“He tackles, competes and he’s a winner and that will fit in with the rest of the players here.

“Harry Redknapp signed him on a couple of occasions when he was looking for someone with that competitive edge, and that tells me a lot.”He’s just been unfortunate in that he’s missed a lot of football over the last year.

“He trained here yesterday morning and did more than enough to show everyone his quality.

McCarthy revealed Quashie’s signing ended a 12-year chase for his signature.

“I tried to sign him when I was at Millwall and he was a kid in QPR reserves,” he added.

Jason Shackell is the only confirmed starter for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Middlesbrough.

Shackell replaces Richard Stearman, who serves a one-match ban.

Meanwhile Wolves are waiting to here if either Bolton or Leicester are prepared to make a serious bid for Mark Davies.

The midfielder is currently on loan at Leicester, but has been offered a new contract at Molineux.