Jason out to Shackell the strikers

Mick McCarthy has backed no-nonsense Jason Shackell to 'rough up' centre-forwards when he gets his big chance to start for Wolves.

Shackell is expected to replace the suspended Richard Stearman for Saturday's trip to Watford as Wolves seek a cure for the defensive ills that has seen them concede 12 goals in four games.

Boss McCarthy believes the 25-year-old former Norwich captain has all the qualities to snuff out Championship attacks as he looks forward to his first start after six appearances as substitute.

"As a centre-half, you have to dominate centre-forwards – you have to 'rough them up' because you want strikers coming off the pitch thinking 'I don't want to play against those two again!'," said McCarthy.

"I expect my centre-halves to be competitive and Jason has already picked up on what I want.

"He says he can do his defensive duties first and foremost, so he'll do for me, but he's also got a good left foot as well.

"Despite him 'doing what it says on the tin', I also like my defenders to pass it to one another too and he's capable of doing that."

Shackell's uncompromising approach has to led to comparisons between him and McCarthy, and the Wolves chief revealed he came highly recommended – from a former Celtic team-mate.

"Jason can't remember me playing, so maybe his gran's told him! But 'Granty' (Albion coach Peter Grant) recommended him highly to me," added McCarthy.

"We'd been trying to get a left-footed centre-half and he's played 130 games in this league, he's a Championship centre-half, and, being left-footed, he gives us balance." Shackell isn't taking his place at Vicarage Road for granted however.

"I'm not guaranteed a place – I'm just going to make sure I grab my opportunity when it comes," he said.

"I like to be solid by doing what a good centre-half does – I head it and kick it and when the opportunity arises, I try to play.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Tooting & Mitcham's winger Michael Antonio. But they are unlikely to sign the 18-year-old at this stage.

* A Wolves 'B' team beat Wrexham 3-2 at Compton with midfielder Mark Davies playing a starring role.

By Tim Nash