McCarthy backs Keogh to shine

The 23-year-old is again set to spearhead the Wolves attack as a lone striker at big-spending Manchester City on Saturday.Keogh had his fair share of critics last season when Wolves were promoted but he has quickly adapted to life in the top-flight.He impressed on his top flight debut against West Ham United last weekend and then headed the winner in Tuesday's 1-0 victory at Wigan.McCarthy said: "Keogh is really great in that role up front by himself."He flicks it on, he is good in the air, he does make it stick and he has improved at that.He is a constant threat all the time."Scoring in the Premier League will also have done him the world of good as well."I have always had belief in Andy Keogh that he is a good player."When there was any suggestion of doubt about him this season I said 'not a chance, Keogh will be a threat in the Premier League because I have not met a defender yet that likes being taken into channels and dropping deep and having someone spinning in behind him.'"Unfortunately for Andy everyone sees what he is not good at, instead of seeing what he is good at which me, the manager, likes to see and tries to see."Keogh's battle with City central defender Richard Dunne is likely to be pivotal.The duo are already well known to each other as team-mates in the Irish squad.Dunne is also well known to McCarthy, who added: "I gave him his international debut and one thing I do know is that 'Dunney' will not be thinking this will be an easy game for him."Wolves will need to have all of their players, and not just Keogh, firing on all cylinders if they are to pull off an upset against City.Like most other managers in the Premier League, McCarthy has been taken aback by the way City have been spending money this summer.McCarthy is a former City central defender but he added: "That's not my old club - only the name is the same."What they've done is unbelievable. They have changed the landscape."There's almost not a market value for players - whatever someone wants them to pay for someone, they go and pay it."It's having an effect all around. What they've done seems to be hiking the prices elsewhere."Meanwhile, Wolves have received a massive boost on the eve of the game after their record signing, £6.5million striker Kevin Doyle, was given the all-clear to make his debut for the club.Doyle, who had hernia surgery last month, has missed the first two games of the season with a groin problem and is set to be on the bench.McCarthy confirmed: "He is fit, he is travelling, he is in the squad and there is every chance that he will play some part of the game."Scottish defender Christophe Berra is also fit after a hamstring strain suffered against Norway forced him to sit out the games with West Ham and Wigan. Man. City v Wolves. Click here to bet.  

Source: Team_Talk