Shropshire Star

McCarthy's worries over Wolves

Mick McCarthy believes Wolves' lack of attacking firepower means his side's Barclays Premier League survival is still far from assured.

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Wolves' 0-0 draw with Fulham on Saturday was their third such result in their last four games.

Some 389 minutes have passed since McCarthy's side scored their last goal, which came in Wolves' 3-1 win over West Ham last month.

Wolves top goal scorer Kevin Doyle was kept at bay by Fulham defenders Chris Smalling and Aaron Hughes on Saturday – and never looked like adding to the seven goals he has scored so far this season.

McCarthy admits his side's lack of goals could mean his side will still need to get points in their remaining fixtures against Blackburn, Portsmouth and Sunderland to stay up.

"Let's not presume that we are safe," said McCarthy.

"We still need points because we are not scoring. If we get three clean sheets then I will take it."

McCarthy also defended his side's defensive style of play which has seen them defy their critics and move away from the relegation zone.

"Playing great football and losing still gets you no points," said the former Republic of Ireland boss.

"We do play football and try to knock the ball around though. We always get a chance from a free kick or a corner.

"We have to work on closing teams down because we want to stay in the game.

"But we had to stop getting beat and when you stop that you pick up points."

Michael Mancienne was one of Wolves' best performers on Saturday as he protected the back four from the threat of the in-form Bobby Zamora.

The 22-year-old is enjoying his second season on loan from Chelsea and McCarthy admits he is showing signs of developing into a good player.