McCarthy knows the pressure is on

McCarthy is well aware that anything but a win against the Clarets at Molineux will see his team selection at Manchester United in midweek questioned once more.

McCarthy took the decision to change all 10 of the outfield players who started last weekend's 1-0 win at Tottenham to ensure that his key players were fully fit for the game with Burnley.

McCarthy has been both pilloried and lauded for his actions, but he knows the only way he will be vindicated is if Wolves secure the win against Burnley that could move them out of the relegation zone.

He said: "Don't think that I don't understand that it has added a bit more pressure to the game - but that is on me. That is my decision, no one else's."

Wolves will be viewed as favourites for the match as Burnley have picked up just one of their 19 points so far away from home.

But McCarthy is not reading anything into Burnley's dismal record on the road.

He added: "I saw Burnley against Arsenal this week at Turf Moor and they played very well.

"Their home record has been absolutely fabulous too - they've had some great wins - so that shows how tough they will be.

"They did well to come back from falling a goal behind against Arsenal.

"It should be a very good contest because both teams came out of the Championship, both are learning their trade and there are only three points between us.

"I think we are bound to have fresher legs than Burnley with the lads who didn't play in midweek, and it is up to us to make that count."

With the exception of long-term injury victims Michael Kightly, Andy Keogh and Dave Edwards, McCarthy has no other major injury concerns.

By JOHN CURTIS