Wolves want boost for Milijas

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy believes Nenad Milijas will be a new man when he returns to Molineux next week.

The left-footed central midfielder jetted off for the international break with an excellent chance of helping Serbia qualify for the World Cup this weekend before returning for next week's Premier League clash at Everton.

With only the leaders sure of going through to South Africa 2010, Serbia top Group 7 by four points ahead of France with qualifiers against doomed pair Romania tomorrow and and Lithuania away on Wednesday.

McCarthy reckons the chance to shine back at home in Belgrade could be just the tonic the 26-year-old playmaker needs to start showing the form that persuaded the Molineux gaffer to splash out £2.6m to Red Star this summer.

The manager said: "He'll be good for playing two games for Serbia. I'm sure he'll feel a lot better about himself - we know he's got good quality and I'd like to get him back into the team.

Wolves have lost their last three games - ironically without Milijas in the starting line-up - but McCarthy won't pick players out of form in his team.

He said: "We all saw his ability in pre-season, but you also have to get performances as well. If they're playing well, they don't get left out of the side."

Former Shrewsbury man Dave Edwards was one to take his place.