McCarthy backs the Baggies

The Baggies face Derby in the new stadium's first Championship Play Off final on May 28 after seeing off their old rivals with a 1-0 second leg win which sent a packed out Hawthorns wild with delight last night.

Kevin Phillips's second-half match-winner sealed a 4-2 aggregate success over McCarthy's side and set-up an all Midlands showdown in front of 90,000 - with that £60m Premiership jackpot ready to be handed to the winner.

While Wolves were left to deal with their inevitable despair, Albion fans began a countdown to what will be one of the most important games in the club's history - and the boss of their arch rivals is convinced they will emerge triumphant.

"Who do I think will win the final? Albion," said McCarthy with certainty.

"I have said from early on that I thought they were the best side we had played and nothing has changed that view.

"We've done better - but I still think they will win it now."

While McCarthy was today making his final address to his own players after their much-better-than-expected campaign, Mowbray was trying to keep a lid on Albion's inevitable euphoria at overcoming the challenge from the gold and black.

Mowbray wants nothing to do with celebrations until the ultimate objective - Premiership football - has been claimed.

He said: "We've still got a huge hurdle to overcome and all we've done is give ourselves an opportunity."

"We've got a job to do, we've got to go to Wembley and be very, very competitive and professional."

By Martin Swain