Mick McCarthy today admitted Sunday’s huge clash against Wigan is one of 12 ‘must-win’ games for Wolves this season.

Wolves go into the game with two points out of the last 24 while the rock-bottom Latics have lost seven in a row.

Like the fans, McCarthy sees this match as one from which his team must gain three points to lift the growing pressure on himself and his players.

“I reckon we have 12 must-win games, wherever they come from,” said McCarthy.

“We won 11 games last season. This one is huge.

“Without me adding to the pressure by saying ‘it’s a must win game’, it’s a hugely important one for us because it’s against a team that have just lost seven and we’ve lost six out of seven.

“I don’t need to stress the importance of it and I’m sure (Wigan boss) Roberto Martinez doesn’t either.”

McCarthy admits that with so much riding on the clash, he feels nothing for the prospects of the opposition, who are likely to start with former Wolves midfielder David Jones.

“I don’t give a fiddler’s about Wigan getting out of it, I’m afraid,” he said. “I’m interested in Wolves.

“Good luck to him (Jones). I’ll welcome him back – he’s a lovely fellow. He was terrific for us and I look forward to seeing him.”

Instead, the Molineux chief admits Wolves must meet expectations of the fans on Sunday lunch-time.

“I wouldn’t say we’re lacking in confidence, particularly as we’ve played well in the last two games,” he said. “But it’s about playing well against Wigan when the expectation is different. Confidence does help.

“There are two teams on Sunday obviously lacking confidence and it’s about who finds it.”