Source: Team_Talk
McCarthy happy with rising expectations
Mick McCarthy believes the expectation levels of the Wolves fans have risen following their successful first season in the Premier League.[LNB] Wolves will be looking to defend their unbeaten start to the campaign when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.[LNB]It has followed on from a successful end to last season which guaranteed top flight status after Wolves had been tipped by many pundits as relegation certainties.[LNB]McCarthy revamped his squad during the summer and feels the supporters are right to aim their sights higher.[LNB]McCarthy said: "I guess maybe there was a doubt in people's minds as to whether we could stay up last year after being promoted.[LNB]"Now our fans expect us to stay up - and rightly so based on what they saw last season and how we have started this season.[LNB]"But, first and foremost, if we can beat what we did last season, it will be fantastic."[LNB]McCarthy added: "We've made a good start. The first game (against Stoke) was a good performance and a good win.[LNB]"We had to grind out a result (draw) at Everton and it was similar against Newcastle.[LNB]"Newcastle have a good, experienced team and made it very difficult for us.[LNB]"We managed to stay unbeaten and five points from three games is a good start for us.[LNB]"But there are tougher tests ahead and there are a lot of them coming. I always say 'every point is a prisoner' but we've done all right so far."[LNB]The form of striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has played a key role in Wolves' fine start with two goals in three games - the same number as he managed in total last season.[LNB]He looked full of confidence when he scored in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle before the international break.[LNB]McCarthy said: "It is great for him, it's great for us because he is getting us points with them.[LNB]"Question marks were all over the place last season as to whether Sylvan could play at this level.[LNB]"We didn't doubt him, he stayed here, kept his number nine shirt, and he's deserved it and he has started in the team.[LNB]"He has repaid everybody with good performances and goals. He is thrilled by it as well."[LNB]McCarthy has no doubt new Fulham boss Mark Hughes can continue the success of his predecessor Roy Hodgson with the Cottagers.[LNB]He said: "Fulham had a brilliant season. They started in July, had 60 odd games, had a remarkable season. I tell you how good it was, Roy Hodgson got the Liverpool job on the back of it![LNB]"But Mark has been successful wherever he has been.[LNB]"When he was with Wales he had success. It is all relative as to where you get, and he got them to the play-offs and only lost narrowly.[LNB]"At Blackburn he had success. As for Manchester City, we will never know because he was taken out of the job before we found out but he was doing fine.[LNB]"Everywhere he has been, he's been a success. I don't doubt he will be a success at Fulham as well."[LNB]Wolves will include striker Marcus Bent, signed on loan from Birmingham, in their squad for the first time.[LNB]Defender Ronald Zubar is ruled out with a hamstring injury but Jelle Van Damme has recovered from the ankle problem suffered against Newcastle.
