McCarthy pointing to vital time for Wolves

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy admits "points not performances" count ahead of tomorrow's crucial local derby against Birmingham at Molineux.

A run of just three points from their last seven games has seen Wolves slide into the Premier League relegation zone.

But back to back home games against Birmingham and Bolton present McCarthy's side with a chance to get back on track. And McCarthy admitted: "It is a really important game for us. We need to get some wins, not particularly good performances - we need points, not performances.

"We have not been trying to play style over substance that's for sure. We want to win games and we haven't managed to do it for whatever reason."

Wolves head into the game on the back of conceding eight goals in consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea.

But McCarthy does not think that will have any effect against Birmingham. He added: "The players have been excellent but have the points reflected the performance? No they haven't for whatever reason.

"It is not bad luck. It is either a bad pass, bad finishing or bad defending. In between there has been some really good stuff."

Wolves will be without Ronald Zubar after the former Marseille defender due to an ankle ligament injury.

Alex McLeish celebrates two years in charge of Birmingham this weekend and insists "substantial progress" has been made during that period.

Nestling in mid-table, City will be looking to extend their unbeaten league run to five games at Wolves.

McLeish said: "We are at a decent level if you compare us to two years ago. I believe we have made substantial progress on and off the pitch and, with the support of the new board, believe we can continue to improve as a club.

"We are improving and have just that bit more quality than two years ago but it is a work in progress."

Damien Johnson is available after a hamstring injury.