Craddock has recipe for Wolves success

Mick McCarthy has hailed the performances of veteran Wolves defender Jody Craddock and admitted he has given him "food for thought" regarding a new contract.

The 34-year-old was due to make make his 200th appearance for the club in this afternoon's home Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan - seven years after moving from Sunderland in a £1.75 million deal.

Craddock's days at Molineux look numbered two seasons ago when he was allowed to join Stoke on loan.

But McCarthy recalled him and Craddock has regained his spot in the team and played a key role in Wolves battle to stay in the top flight in addition to weighing in with four goals this season.

McCarthy said: "Jody has been terrific. He was out on loan at Stoke a couple of years ago, I brought him back and he has been terrific ever since to be honest.

"I have to be honest. He looked like he was leaving at one stage. At that time, we had players playing better than him in the team.

"Then I put him back in - and he stopped others from getting in the team by his performances.

"Players like him and (veteran keeper) Marcus Hahnemann are invaluable, those sort of guys.

"Jody really has been unmovable and he has got us some vital goals as well."