Wolves boss Mick McCarthy eyes derby points

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today kicked off the countdown to Sunday's derby against Birmingham by insisting more than three points are at stake.

McCarthy usually plays down the importance of derbies to avoid cranking up the pressure on his team.

But after 10 defeats in 13 games and his side three points from safety, he admitted victory was vital with fans' frustrations growing.

McCarthy has a poor record in derbies at Wolves, having never beaten Blues in six league meetings, losing the last three.

And having won just one out of 13 league clashes against Blues, Albion and Villa drawing five and losing seven he isn't under-estimating this one.

"It's a bit more than three points now isn't it?" he said.

"I'd settle for three points out of any game at the moment, but because of local pride and bragging rights, we need to get the points at home."

The big one in the fans' eyes is seven days after the visit of Blues when Wolves face Albion in the top flight for the first time in over 26 years. But McCarthy refused to look further than this Sunday.

"Let's just concentrate on Birmingham first," he said.