Wolves will stay up on Survival Sunday, says Mick McCarthy

Mick McCarthy today insisted Wolves will stay up on Survival Sunday - and vowed to take personal blame if they don't.

The boss, who takes his side into the vital clash against Blackburn needing a win to guarantee Premier League safety, believes his players deserve top-flight football for their efforts.

"If any group of players deserve to stay in the Premier League, it's this one," said the boss. "Of course they have one more big performance in them.

"So yes, we will be fine. I have said it all along and I have said it to a lot of doubters if we don't do it, blame me.

"Sometimes the manager has been accused of not knowing what he is doing, sometimes I have believed it!

"But come and support us we're staying in the Premier League, let me tell you."

McCarthy also rounded on the critics he believes were trying to see him sacked early in the new year.

"Sky Sports News and other media were desperate to drive a wedge between me, Jez Moxey and Steve Morgan, but we never allowed it to happen," he said.

McCarthy also pleaded with the fans not to make Molineux too anxious on Sunday.

"The fans have been fabulous," he said. "But do not pass your anxiety to me or the players. Rest assured, they will give everything."