Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

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• Manager:Mick McCarthy

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McCarthy hails hero Craddock

01 Nov 2009 - 18:40:00

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Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has admitted that he almost let two-goal hero Jody Craddock leave the club.

The veteran defender grabbed both Wolves' goals in the 2-2 draw at Stoke City after McCarthy's side had trailed by two goals in the first half.

The former Republic of Ireland manager said after the match: "Jody nearly left us. We had Gary Breen at the time. He came here to Stoke, Tony (Pulis) liked him but he came back to us and he has just been brilliant.

"He actually nearly went out on loan again last season but stayed with us.

"He wasn't playing but then he got back in, became captain and lifted the Championship trophy. He is resilient.

"It shows experience counts for a lot. It is not all about youthful legs at centre-back. It is important knowing how to defend as well. Mind you, I didn't expect him to score two goals as well but he does attack the ball.

"We've scored from a free-kick and a corner which is usually Stoke's domain. But I'm disappointed we have drawn. They were in control of the first half by a good margin.

"But we dominated the second half by a greater margin and could have won the game."