Protective Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today mounted a passionate defence of Karl Henry after revealing England boss Fabio Capello is a fan of the Molineux captain.

The 28-year-old hasn’t been at his best since returning from a knee injury and has come under fire on the messageboards despite being named in the provisional 40-man England squad for last week’s friendly against Denmark.

Midfielder Henry admitted his surprise at the weekend at his call-up.

“I was shocked,” said the skipper.

“Since I came back from injury I don’t think I’ve played particularly well, so I was surprised but delighted and honoured just to be linked with the 40-man squad.”

McCarthy, who lists Henry as one of his best signings after snapping him up for just £100,000 from Stoke four and a half years ago, isn’t about to axe him and hopes Capello’s recognition inspires his skipper.

“I spoke to Fabio when I sat with him at a game at Manchester United,” said the boss.

“He told me he was keen on Karl.

“That’s good for me but it’s even better still for Karl when you hear the England manager saying it.

“I know what other people in the game think of him and what job he does.

“They respect what he does but it’s nice when the England manager says it.”

McCarthy said his continued selection of Henry when the ball-winning midfielder isn’t at his best is all the evidence needed publicly for his support of his skipper.

“I’m pleased about him because he’s in my team and he’s our captain,” he said.

“I tell players how I feel about them because I keep picking them.

“Karl’s been a really important player for me here ever since he’s been here and he still is.”