Wolves must back up win, says McCarthy

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today claimed the 'fightback is on' as they look to continue their recovery at Everton tomorrow.

McCarthy's side is enjoying an improved run of performances sparked by the comeback draw against Swansea.

Two spirited displays in defeat against Manchester City followed before the welcome 3-1 victory over Wigan prior to the international break, and McCarthy is keen for that level of performance to continue. "Having just got a win, we don't want to get back to losing ways," said the boss.

"We want to get some points off them and hope the two-week break hasn't done us a dis-service.

"We're looking at it as a game we want to get something from. The fightback began the last 20 minutes against Swansea when we got a draw and could have won.

"Then we played well against Man City twice and I'm not so sure we played as well against Wigan as in some games where we were beaten.

"Now maybe it is our turn to have that slice of luck."

Wolves have won just two and lost nine out of 13 immediately after international breaks since promotion.

Everton have lost six of their last seven, but McCarthy warned they can't afford another dip in performances at Goodison tomorrow, adding: "I don't want to be the one that starts them off on a good run."

With four Ireland internationals in Wolves' squad, the mood in the camp has been further boosted by Giovanni Trapattoni's side reaching Euro 2012.

And McCarthy claimed Wolves will reap the benefits. "Long-term it will a good effect for the lads – there's an extra incentive now," he said.

"But if they lose their place in my team, Giovanni Trapattoni will be saying 'you need to be playing all the time'. "That's a great motivator, which can only be good for us."

McCarthy said no-one has gained more from the experience than Stephen Ward, who was playing part-time five years ago. "'Wardy' has made a niche for himself at left-back," said the boss.

"He's become a far better player, and I can't see anyone else better going to the European Championships."