McCarthy: Future is in Wolves´ hands

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is pleased his team’s future in the Premier League still rests in their hands after a 3-1 win over Sunderland.

Second half goals from Steven Fletcher and George Elokobi secured the win after defender Jody Craddock exchanged strikes with Sunderland’s Stephane Sessegnon in the first half on Saturday.

The victory keeps them a point clear of the bottom three after Blackpool produced a thrilling 4-3 win over Bolton.

McCarthy said he was not surprised the relegation battle was going down to the last day of the season.

“It’s the same three points as last week. I said it would go to May 22 and it’s going there, isn’t it?” he said.

“Nobody can do anything about it. Everybody has been in your ear hole – the media, mums, dads, kids (and) friends.”

” If we win our game, then nobody can do anything about it and the same applies on Sunday against Blackburn.”

McCarthy admitted his team was outplayed during the first half but scored a deserved victory after a strong performance in the second half.

“I enjoyed the result. I enjoyed our second-half performance because we played well, but we had been battered for 45 minutes,” he said.

“We got slapped and we had to certainly improve and up our game, which we did, and I think second half, we deserved to win, to be honest with you. I don’t think anyone could argue with that point.”

A win against Blackburn would see Wolves safe, although a point could also be enough to avoid the drop.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said his team’s defending was once again not good enough.

“Everybody realises the problems. However, there is still no hiding place,” he said.

“We have conceded three against Fulham, three against West Brom and three against Wolves today at home. That to me is the disappointment.”

“We haven’t defended properly. We haven’t shown the right resilience and of course I am playing people out of position back there. It’s been a big frustration.”

Bruce said defender John Mensah had let himself down by walking straight down the tunnel when he was substituted for teenager Louis Laing in the 88th minute.

Sunderland have only won two of their last 13 league outings, but sit comfortably five points clear of relegation in 13th.