Source: Daily_Mail
Relegation battle will go down to the wire, says Mick McCarthy
ShareMick McCarthy expects Wolves' battle for Barclays Premier League survival to continue to the final game of the season. [LNB]Wolves could make themselves safe this weekend if they win at McCarthy's former club Sunderland and other results involving Wigan, West Ham and Blackpool go in their favour. [LNB]But McCarthy believes that is an unlikely scenario and is gearing up for a last-day showdown against fellow strugglers Blackburn at Molineux on May 22. [LNB] Is that the way to Premier League safety? McCarthy believes the relegation battle will go down to the last day of the season [LNB]McCarthy said: 'Wouldn't it be great and it would be utopia if all the results go our way and we are safe after the weekend games. [LNB]'It would be wonderful but I don't believe in those fairy stories all the time that people tell me. "Everyone has done their maths and worked out what it will take to make us safe. [LNB]'Someone said to me "three away results, you at Sunderland, Bolton at Blackpool and West Ham at Wigan " and you are safe. [LNB]'I said "is that all, three away wins for three of the bottom four teams, that is always likely to happen on a weekend!"[LNB] In the clear? Wolves are out of the relegation zone for the first time in three months after beating West Brom[LNB]'But I thought all along it would go to the last game and I'm planning that it will go to the last game.'[LNB]Wolves moved out of the bottom three for the first time in nearly three months courtesy of last weekend's derby success over West Brom. [LNB]But McCarthy is taking nothing for granted as Wolves look to secure a third successive season of top flight football. [LNB]He said: 'We put ourselves in the position last week where it is in our hands. 'Let's try and take care of it without depending on anyone else. Of course, it makes you feel better being out of the bottom three. [LNB] Back in contention: Doyle could feature for Wolves [LNB]'I've sat here and said "we'll get out of it, we are not going down". You've all looked me in the eye and asked if I believed it and I said "yes".[LNB]'But we are not safe. Starting to believe anything else, would be remiss of all of us. 'If we start to believe it, you can just trip yourselves up. Let's not start getting soft and thinking we've done our job. [LNB]'Let's remain tough, stoic and resolute like we've had to be all season.'[LNB] McCarthy is adamant he will gain no extra satisfaction should Wolves clinch safety at his former club.[LNB]He said: 'I had a great time. I loved my time there, the club, the fans, everyone. 'I get treated very well when I go back and well respected for the job I did. [LNB]'It is not going to give me any extra sense of happiness by doing it (staying up) there. I'd sooner do it at Old Trafford or Chelsea. [LNB]'I don't mind where we get the points to be honest, whether the Stadium Of Light or Molineux as long as we are safe.'[LNB] Wolves striker Kevin Doyle will be available after being sidelined for the past two months with knee ligament damage. But he is likely to be amongst the substitutes given the form of Steven Fletcher, who has netted five goals in the last seven games, and Stephen Ward as a partnership. [LNB] Wolves boss McCarthy not 'bothered' if Ferguson rotates squad for key gameWolves' survival bid boosted as Doyle declares himself on target for Sunderland comebackWolverhampton Wanderers FC news, features and opinion Explore more:People: Kevin Doyle, Mick McCarthy, Steven Fletcher
