Henry braced for City mission

Wolves are expecting anything but a welcome in the hillside as they journey to South Wales tomorrow for a crunch match against third place Cardiff City (5.20pm).

The two clubs have formed an unlikely rivalry in recent years and Wolves skipper Karl Henry realises that his side face a test of character to hold onto the Championship top spot.

He said: "We're prepared for a tough game – a man's performance is required. Hopefully we'll be fresher having had a few days preparing for it.

"Watford was the same and every time I've played there, if you're drawing or you're ahead, the second half is always a nightmare.

"They pile everyone forward but that's the way it is away from home at times."

Tomorrow's match is the conclusion of a draining week for Mick McCarthy's side that has seen them grind out victories against Watford and Swansea.

The final hurdle at the crumbling Ninian Park will perhaps be the toughest though against a Cardiff team boasting four wins in six unbeaten games and the division's top scorer in 10-goal Ross McCormack.

Also finding some form is former Wolves marksman Jay Bothroyd.

The 26-year-old was allowed to leave Molineux in the summer and is beginning to show glimpses of the quality that McCarthy always believed that he possessed.

Whilst hardly prolific so far, two goals against Watford ten days ago will have lifted his spirits as he prepares to face his old employers.

"We've got a resilient team here at Cardiff and our togetherness is key", said Bothroyd.

"It's a real family club which is great. All the staff are friendly, everyone gets on, right down to the dinner ladies and the rest of the staff. It all helps when you are on the pitch."

Neill Collins and Jason Shackell are expected to be men charged with stopping McCormack and Bothroyd after being paired together in defence for the first time on Tuesday night.

By SEAN WOZENCROFT