McCarthy backs Wolves to beat West Brom

Mick McCarthy today backed Wolves to win the 'battle of nerves' in the Black Country derby at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

Wolves go into their first Premier League showdown against Albion with six points from their last six games - one more than their opponents - and seeking their first win at the venue since Iwan Roberts' hat-trick in a 4-2 win in 1996.

The Baggies have shipped two or more goals in each of their last 10 Premier League matches and McCarthy has predicted a tense affair.

"It will be pretty edgy and nervy because of what's at stake - it's our Premier League existence at stake," stressed the Wolves boss.

"There are 12 games to play and both teams need points.

"We need points more than them, but Albion need points because they won't stay up with what they've got.

"Providing something ridiculous doesn't happen, like a goal from 30 yards or someone makes a mistake, or a stupid sending off which changes the game, then it's bound to be edgy."

McCarthy, who feels Wolves need 15 more points to get to 39 to survive, is backing his players to handle the derby pressure and produce a strong show.

"Our lads have been right bang at it in every other game bar Wigan at home, when we went 2-0 down with two bad goals, and then last Saturday," said the boss.

"We've made every other team work hard and we've played some good stuff."

And he warned Albion of the dangers of falling into the drop zone.

"If you drop into it, all of a sudden it's a case of thinking 'can we get out of it?' We're not having those anxieties because we believe we can.

"It doesn't matter when, as long as it is on or before May 22," said McCarthy.