Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists his so-called ‘second-string’ players will have a part to play this season.

Having won their opening two Barclays Premier League matches, McCarthy fielded a completely different team to beat League Two Northampton in the Carling Cup last night.

Striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake gave his boss a gentle nudge with two well-taken goals, Nenad Milijas hit a classy free-kick and Sam Vokes netted late on to seal a 4-0 stroll and vindicate McCarthy’s decision.

“I know they want to play regularly, but if they hadn’t played like that and we’d been beaten, then they’d have no chance,” he said.

“The only way they can do it is, when they get the opportunity, performing like they have done and playing really well.

“Sylvan’s first was the first bit of quality we showed in front of goal.

“And with his second, I’m delighted he got a header because it’s not his favourite pastime, heading the ball.

“The games are difficult when you play against lower-league opposition, they are highly motivated.

“Our attitude and application was going to decide the outcome and I was delighted with that.”

The Cobblers are tricky customers in the cups, having beaten Liverpool on penalties at Anfield last season and seen off Championship Ipswich earlier this month – but in-form Wolves were rarely troubled.