Wolves today rallied around Wayne Hennessey, insisting he will be a top-four Barclays Premier League goalkeeper.

The Wales international turned from hero to villain in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City when he was at fault for City’s first two goals after making three top-class saves in a goalless first-half.

Hennessey was closed down by Sergio Aguero for Edin Dzeko to score the first goal before failing to hold David Silva’s shot for Aleksandar Kolarov to net No 2.

But his team-mates joined boss Mick McCarthy in declaring the 24-year-old is one of the top keepers in the Premier League.

Winger Stephen Hunt, who scored Wolves’ penalty at City, said: “He’s played plenty of games now to not let that affect him. It’s important to remember what he’s done all season.

“He made a save from Shaun Derry’s header against QPR that I don’t think anyone else would have saved in the Premier League. I think he’ll end up playing for a top four club one day.

“And he’d made outstanding saves in the first-half – the one he flicked around the post from Edin Dzeko was ridiculously good.

“He doesn’t deserve to be criticised for their first goal because of the way he’s played this season.

And McCarthy lent his support, adding: “Wayne had been fabulous and the saves he made in the first half were outstanding.

“All season he’s been brilliant so there are no recriminations from me.

“He’s got my support because he’s as good as anyone in the league.”

But, in the wake of another defeat, McCarthy admitted Wolves’ potentially pivotal clash against rock bottom Wigan on Sunday was “huge” and one they “need to take care of”.

The two worst teams in the Premier on current form collide at Molineux – Wolves with six defeats in their last seven games while the Latics have lost seven in a row.

“Clearly everybody knows Wolves versus Wigan is a huge game,” said the boss.

“All those games against teams in the bottom half of the table around us are going to be hugely important this season.”