Source: Team_Talk
Ebanks-Blake still full of optimism
Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is confident Mick McCarthy's troops can recover from an indifferent start to the Premier League season. [LNB] McCarthy's side are 18th in the table, having not won in the league since their opening-day success against Stoke.[LNB]They failed to capitalise on taking an early lead through Matt Jarvis in a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers West Ham on Sunday.[LNB]And they now travel to the capital to face defending champions Chelsea on Saturday at the start of a tough run of Premier League games which include clashes with Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.[LNB]But 24-year-old Ebanks-Blake is remaining positive.[LNB]"We are building slowly. We had a point on Sunday. We have some tough games coming up but it's a long season and we are optimistic.[LNB]"Chelsea are a top team, they won the league, they were the best team in the league last season.[LNB]"It's always difficult [going there] but I would rather be playing at Chelsea than away somewhere else so I won't be complaining.[LNB]"These are the games we all look forward to as professionals. We will go there and compete and see what happens.[LNB]"It's early days and the league is not won or lost in 10 games, and you are not relegated in 10 games. We will see how it goes and, as I said, we are optimistic."[LNB]Ebanks-Blake has been used sparingly by McCarthy in recent weeks, being limited to late substitute appearances against Wigan and West Ham.[LNB]However, the former Plymouth forward is not too despondent.[LNB]He added: "I am happy with what I am contributing, it's a squad game these days. Let's see how the season pans out."[LNB]Given his side's lowly league position McCarthy could be forgiven for ruing their upcoming assignments, but the former Republic of Ireland boss says he will be happy to get their fixtures against the current top four out of the way.[LNB]"We have to play them all at some stage," he said. "It gets them out of the way. We have to prepare and take every game as it comes.[LNB]"We should have more points than we have got but what's to say we can't get points this weekend?"[LNB]McCarthy refused to be drawn into the debate surrounding the current impasse between Manchester United and striker Wayne Rooney, but was surprised that the 24-year-old was concerned over the Old Trafford club's ambition.[LNB]He said: "I understand it is a huge story and it's great for yourselves [the media] but the best bloke is in charge to look after him.[LNB]"It doesn't need any comment from me. He [Ferguson] is the top man, he will look after him.[LNB]"To question their ambition, it's like questioning Bill Gates' ambition, questioning his ability to get the most out of his computer company.[LNB]"It's none of my business. If he is playing against us on Tuesday [in the Carling Cup] I will talk about him then.[LNB]"He is a fabulous player, a fabulous talent at the best club in the world. Let them get on with it."
