Source: Team_Talk
Sylvain strike delights Wolves boss
Mick McCarthy insists he never lost faith in Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, who has already equalled last season's goal tally.[LNB] Ebanks-Blake struggled to make an impression during Wolves' first campaign back in the Premier League.[LNB]But the 24-year-old looked sharp during pre-season and followed up his goal at Everton by netting during yesterday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Molineux.[LNB]The result maintained Wolves' unbeaten start to the campaign with a haul of five points from the opening three games.[LNB]McCarthy said: "Sylvan earned the right to be in the team and sealed that with a fabulous finish and another really good performance against Newcastle.[LNB]"It just didn't happen for him last season and it didn't happen for a lot of the lads early on - and then others got to grips with it quicker.[LNB]"Kevin Doyle was also playing so well up front so Sylvan didn't get as many games as he would have wanted.[LNB]"He wasn't as battle-hardened and sharp as he needed and wanted to be.[LNB]"This year he has had a great pre-season. He came back really hungry for it and he is a better player for it. He is working exceptionally hard.[LNB]"People questioned his ability to play at this level. I wasn't one of them."[LNB]The Newcastle clash was not for the faint-hearted, with 12 players - seven from Wolves and five from Newcastle - being yellow-carded by referee Stuart Attwell.[LNB]McCarthy said: "I'm glad we got everyone off the pitch without anyone getting sent off.[LNB]"But I'm pleased we competed in a real tough game.[LNB]"There were times when we may have lost that game last year when we were trying to chase games, being desperate to get a winner.[LNB]"If you've got your point, sometimes take and settle for the point and remember Newcastle are not a bad team.[LNB]"They've got a lot of Premier League quality in their team."[LNB]McCarthy was upset with Attwell for not awarding his side a penalty early in the second period when leading 1-0 after Matt Jarvis was brought down by James Perch.[LNB]He said: "I wasn't certain at the time. I didn't know if the ref thought 'Jarvo' had fallen over his legs.[LNB]"But I've just seen it again and it was a poor, poor decision.[LNB]"We are 1-0 up and, if we score the penalty, the game is done and dusted for us. It was a real pivotal moment in the game."[LNB]Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was on the receiving end of some committed and zealous challenges but earned praise from Chris Hughton for his disciplined approach.[LNB]The Magpies manager said: "I think Joey is aware we want to see more of him on the football pitch.[LNB]"He has missed a fair chunk through injury during the last couple of years and I think he is really pleased and grateful to be first and foremost and to be playing.[LNB]"What comes with that is a responsibility to stay on the football pitch.[LNB]"There has never been any doubt about Joey's ability. It is just making sure he is on the football pitch for as long as we want him.[LNB]"His experience and quality and the fact he is in the squad will be crucial."[LNB]Andy Carroll's superb header from Barton's inswinging free-kick earned a share of the spoils for Newcastle after Ebanks-Blake had shown some clinical finishing to break the deadlock.[LNB]Ebanks-Blake also hit the woodwork but Newcastle squandered several clear-cut chances with Carroll and captain Kevin Nolan the biggest culprits.
