Mixed emotions for McCarthy

Mick McCarthy admitted Wolves' Coca-Cola Championship title triumph was tinged with a hint of personal sadness after his side denied home-town club Barnsley three valuable points with a 1-1 draw at Oakwell.

McCarthy, who made almost 300 appearances for the Tykes during his playing career, was understandably delighted to clinch top spot but is also eager to see his former club avoid the drop and knows three points would have gone a long way to achieving this.

He said: "It is a little bit sombre for me because I hope Barnsley stay up.

"Anyone who has seen me play will like me because the way I fought for the club, and I would do everything for the club I am paid by. I hope it is enough for them to stay up though, so it tinges a little bit of sadness.

"But let me make it clear I am delighted to have clinched the title and the players deserve it, and I will enjoy celebrating it." The former Republic of Ireland coach was also left frustrated with the pitch invasion from both sets of supporters at the end and feels it denied his players the chance to celebrate properly.

"I wasn't best pleased about it, somebody tried to jump on my back and I don't know if it was someone who wanted to celebrate with me or what," he added.

"It was unfortunate, it's mad and it has taken a slight bit of gloss off it."