Source: Team_Talk
McCarthy relishing Anfield trip
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has admitted his love of being the underdog as he prepares for Saturday's Premier League game at Liverpool.[LNB] McCarthy is aware Liverpool are a more potent force now than when Stephen Ward's goal earned Wolves a shock 1-0 success on Merseyside last December, but he insists he is not envious of the greater resources Kenny Dalglish has at his disposal.[LNB]He said: "I've enjoyed competing against people with far greater resources all through my career as a player and a manager.[LNB]"We'll go up there and try to upset the applecart and keep being a thorn in everyone's side if we can.[LNB]"Winning at Anfield was one of our best results of the season - never mind just away from home.[LNB]"They slapped us 3-0 in the return so they kind of made up for it. I'd love to have a similar result to what we had at Anfield but they have been playing well.[LNB]"It was a difficult game for them at the weekend when they had a couple of players sent off [in Sunday's 4-0 defeat] at Tottenham.[LNB]"But they have got some fabulous players and started the season superbly."[LNB]Steven Gerrard returned to action in Wednesday's 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Brighton after being sidelined for six months with a groin problem.[LNB]Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel will also both be available again on Saturday after serving one-match suspensions in Wednesday's cup win for their red cards at White Hart Lane.[LNB]McCarthy is glad to see Gerrard back in action but wishes his return had been delayed until after the Wolves clash.[LNB]He said: "I'm thrilled he could face us. I wonder if we can get Graeme Souness and Phil Neal back as well. See if Kenny can come back and Rushy (Ian Rush)...[LNB]"I'm delighted they are getting all their best players back to play us and I'm thrilled the cup competition means Adam can play and Skrtel can play.[LNB]"Yes, I am pleased for Steven that he is back playing because I like him. He is a top player and a top bloke.[LNB]"But I don't want him playing against us. I don't want him making it any harder for me. No thanks."[LNB]McCarthy added: "Am I frustrated Liverpool can spend more than myself? Never ever. I think if you get like that, you end up being bitter and twisted and having resentments to everyone.[LNB]"I don't have that sort of feeling to anyone. I appreciate what I have and even more so what I get out of the team.[LNB]"That is the challenge - the challenge against Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, people who spend more on salaries and transfer fees.[LNB]"But some will be looking at us and thinking I'm the lucky one - and I believe I am."[LNB]McCarthy is treating last weekend's 3-0 home defeat by QPR as a one-off and received the response he expected, albeit from a much-changed side, in the 5-0 midweek Carling Cup win over Millwall.[LNB]He said: "The performance against QPR disappointed me but that doesn't make us a bad team or a bad group of players.[LNB]"I got the response I expected but if we don't play well, we are not going to win anything.[LNB]"We need seven out of 10s from players, not fours and fives. If we get that, we get beat."[LNB]Wolves skipper Roger Johnson and striker Steven Fletcher will both be available to McCarthy after thigh and groin injuries.
