McCarthy positive Cup choice was right

Wolves face a mouth-watering Midlands derby with Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup - if they can beat Crystal Palace in a replay.

Mick McCarthy's much-changed side struggled to a 2-2 draw with Palace on Saturday thanks to a late equaliser from Zubar.

It means a replay at Selhurst Park a week tomorrow before Wolves can contemplate a clash with Martin O'Neill's Villa.

McCarthy made seven changes to his starting line-up to take on the Championship side, with tomorrow night's Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool at Molineux in mind.

He said "I still think the team that played was (strong enough). If anybody had that team in the Championship they'd be thrilled.

"I had no hesitation in making the changes."

Now he must decide whether to field a full-strength line up in the replay to claim the home tie with Villa - in a competition which has already seen Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal knocked out this season.

Arsenal lost 3-1 to Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium yesterday - and the reward for the Potters is a trip to take on Roberto Mancini's Manchester City millionaire all-stars.