Wolves today insisted they will stand firm at Newcastle tomorrow – and try to turn the heat on the Toon.

Mick McCarthy’s side are braced for a steaming reception from a packed St James’ Park anxious for their team to mete out retribution at the ‘rough tactics’ they perceived Wolves used in the feisty 1-1 draw at Molineux in August.

Controversial midfielder Joey Barton was on the end of several firm but fair tackles and captain Karl Henry – one of seven Wolves bookings of the 12 yellow cards in that game is braced for abuse from the Toon Army.

Henry has been wisely shielded from the media this week but his team-mates are confident their skipper won’t rise to any intimidation.

“Newcastle’s fans are fantastic but it won’t be a problem for me or the team we’re well ‘up’ for it,” said midfielder Jamie O’Hara.

“I’d much rather be playing in front of 50,000 or 80,000 than 10,000 people.

“Karl can handle it – he’s our captain and he’s been fantastic for us.

“Any stick he gets won’t be a problem for him he loves all that anyway.

“He’s at the top of his game and if that’s what they want to do then ‘bring it on’.

“We won’t be seeking any confrontation because we’re a footballing side and we want to get the ball down and play. We know we can hurt teams going forward.”

Winger Adam Hammill added: “We’ve just got to try to subdue them and keep them quiet.

“If we can do that for the first 10 minutes, then fans can turn if things aren’t going for their team.”

By Tim Nash