Wolves hit back on gambling 'lies'

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has hit back at reports claiming he has had to stamp out a "gambling culture" at Molineux.

McCarthy has slammed suggestions that four first-team players and one youth team player had been "gambling too much" last season as "lies".

He is also bemused that his comments about the positive work which Wolves carry out with their first team and academy players has been spun to negative effect.

McCarthy said: "It saddens me that a lot of positive work we are doing with our players should be reported in this way.

"Yes, we do have people come in to talk to the first-team players and academy players, talking to them about gambling and drinking and drugs.

"We do not have a gambling problem at Wolves, nor have we had one in the past, and to suggest we have is just lies."

McCarthy added: "We take our responsibilities as a club very seriously which is why we have these specialists come in.

Meanwhile, McCarthy is ready to thrust new signing Geoffrey Mujangi Bia straight into the first-team picture.

But McCarthy has categorically denied making any inquiry or offer for Stoke's striker James Beattie.

The Belgium international has become Wolves' first signing during the January transfer window, initially on loan from Charleroi with a view to a £2m permanent deal.

The winger will go straight into the squad for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round meeting with Crystal Palace at Molineux.

McCarthy said: "Geoffrey will go straight into my plans and will be involved in the Premier League."