Wolves set 12 wins target

Wolves believe they are just 12 more wins away from their promotion-busting target to reach the Premier League.

Striker Sam Vokes says boss Mick McCarthy has set his side the challenge of winning a dozen of their 19 remaining matches to make the Promised Land.

McCarthy's side go into tomorrow's televised tea-time clash at Bristol City with 58 points from 27 games.

A minimum of 12 wins would give Wolves 94 points.

"The gaffer says we're aiming for 12 wins out of 19," said Vokes.

"It's a big period for us and we've got to pick points up wherever we can."

Wolves go into tomorrow's game in their worst league run of the season, with two points from the last nine after Reading cut their lead to four points.

But McCarthy insists the pressure lies with the chasing pack and reckons the promotion race will go to the wire.

"I never thought we'd have a seven-point gap and it would be 'happy days'," he said.

"I hoped it would stay, but this will be a scrap to the very last day of the season.

"Reading put pressure on by winning one and we lost one.

"But we can reverse that - the pressure is still on for them to catch us.

"And the pressure is on Birmingham and the rest to catch us and Reading."

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson did his UEFA Pro licence with McCarthy and the pair got on well.

He said: "Mick's a good motivator and a good coach.

"He'll be very nice to you then but then he'll tell his team to rip your throat out!"

Wolves homegrown defender Lee Collins has joined Port Vale on a free transfer after a loan spell there, signing a two and a half year deal. Wolves have a sell-on clause.

Wolves' FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Middlesbrough will take place on Saturday, January 24 (3pm).

Normal ticket prices apply.

By Tim Nash