McCarthy vows not to field a weak side

Albion managers Bryan Robson and Tony Mowbray rested top players against the 'big four' to keep them fresh for the more winnable games.

But as Wolves prepare to host an Arsenal juggernaut unbeaten in 11 games and with 16 points out of a possible 18, McCarthy is refusing to follow the trend of other managers who forsake points against the top teams by playing weakened sides.

Referring to Albion, McCarthy said: "They got relegated didn't they, so ultimately it didn't work.

"Who am I to suggest to thousands of fans that I'll be playing five or six players who aren't my strongest?

"And what about the lads playing? Should I not give them an opportunity to try to win?"

Arsenal take their unbeaten run to AZ Alkmaar in the Champions League tomorrow, but McCarthy insists Wolves can take the game to Arsene Wenger's side and reckons they are due a victory after drawing with Everton, Villa and Stoke.

The manager said: "I think people know I'm a manager who believes we can get something from any game.

"Just because we're playing teams in the top four doesn't change that - more for the reason that I knew Portsmouth would win a game sooner rather than later.

"Just because teams such as Arsenal expect to qualify for the Champions' League, who is to say we can't beat them?

"There are loads of reasons to suggest we can't, but you put the team out on to win and on our day, if we play as well as we can, I'd give us a chance against anybody."

Wolves have won just one in five home games, but McCarthy said: "The results haven't gone against us because we haven't attacked or been negative, or because we've over-attacked or been picked apart."

By TIM NASH