Kightly targets Magpies game

Wolves winger Michael Kightly will miss Sunday's derby against West Brom due to a back injury but is in line to return to action against Newcastle on February 25.

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Kightly suffered the setback during the home defeat against Liverpool last Tuesday and was ruled out of the weekend win at QPR. Wolves hope a two-week break from action after the derby will enable him to recover for the visit to face Newcastle.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy said: "Kights is resting at the moment but the aim is to have him training again and available for the Newcastle game."

Defender Ronald Zubar has returned to training after suffering a knee ligament injury against Arsenal six weeks ago.

Wolves punish 10-man Rangers as Cisse sees red

Wolves edged their way out of the
relegation zone with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers here
Saturday as Djibril Cisse was sent off for the Londoners.

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Cisse
had made a dramatic start to his QPR career in midweek, scoring on his
debut in the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa following his transfer window
move to Loftus Road from Lazio.

But the Frenchman made headlines
for all the wrong reasons on Saturday after being sent off for a clash
with Roger Johnson as QPR let a 1-0 lead slip in a vital game for both
sides.

QPR had got off to a dream start when another of their
transfer window signings, Bobby Zamora, fired the Londoners into the
lead on 16 minutes.

The 31-year-old striker had failed to score in
previous debuts for Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham but ended that
unhappy run with a confident finish after collecting Shaun
Wright-Phillips' pass.

Wolves afternoon went from bad to worse
shortly afterwards when loan signing Emmanuel Frimpong hobbled off to be
replaced by Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Yet Mick McCarthy's men were thrown a lifeline on 34 minutes after Cisse lost his cool following a clash with Johnson.

The striker was furious after being caught late by Johnson, grabbing the Wolves defender by the throat.

Referee Mark Clattenburg promptly booked Johnson for his challenge but stunned Rangers by reaching for red to dismiss Cisse.

Wolves
then came roaring back after half-time, and equalised in the 46th
minute when Matt Jarvis cut in from the left and blasted past Paddy
Kenny.

The goal galvanised Wolves who were unlucky not to take the
lead shortly afterwards when Steven Fletcher's header from six yards
hit the crossbar.

Moments later Fletcher saw a mishit shot scooped off the line by Anton Ferdinand before Kenny saved Kevin Doyle's shot.

Eventually
the Wolves pressure told, and substitute Doyle secured the club's first
victory in 10 matches when he rifled home the winner on 71 minutes.

Doyle inspires Wolves win

Substitute Kevin Doyle inspired Wolves to a 2-1 victory at 10-man QPR.

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The
Ireland international came off the bench at half-time and set up Matt
Jarvis 51 seconds later, before firing home the winner.

Debutant
Bobby Zamora had given QPR a deserved half-time lead, but Djibril
Cisse's red card for an altercation with Roger Johnson allowed Wolves a
way back into the game.

McCarthy: Doyle not for sale

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists striker Kevin Doyle 'is going nowhere' before the current transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.

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Doyle has been linked with a move to Everton and the Republic of Ireland striker is currently out of the starting XI at Molineux.

But McCarthy concedes it would be "madness" to let his £6million signing from Reading leave as his side prepare for the home Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool. McCarthy said: "Whether there is interest or there isn't interest in Kevin, it doesn't matter because he is going nowhere."

He added: "I would really be crackers to sell Doyle with two days to go. I'm not crackers."

Doyle played a major part in Wolves surviving their first campaign back in the top flight two years ago but he has struggled to reproduce his best form since a knee injury meant he was sidelined for the final six weeks of last season.

Steven Fletcher has replaced him as McCarthy's first-choice striker.

McCarthy is to run the rule over former Norwich midfielder Mark Fotheringham in Monday night's reserve clash with Fulham.

Fotheringham is a free agent and has been training with Wolves for the past few days.

McCarthy said: "He will have a game, he is 28, he is an experienced lad. Because he is a free agent, if anything was to happen, there is no need for it to be concluded by Tuesday."

Reserve striker Sam Vokes has joined Brighton on loan for the rest of the campaign.

McCarthy sick of near misses

Mick McCarthy is fed up being associated with "heroic failure" and admits Wolves need to quickly acquire the winning habit after dropping into the Barclays Premier League bottom three.

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Wolves manager McCarthy has been happy with the general performance of his players in recent games, which have included creditable away draws with Arsenal and Tottenham.

But the 3-2 home setback against Aston Villa last weekend extended Wolves' run without a win to eight games, from which they have collected only four points, and he said: "I don't want people talking to me about how we've played good, bad or indifferent."

McCarthy, whose side entertain Liverpool on Tuesday, added: "We need to win games and we need points.

"I don't want to be in the bottom three at any stage. We are playing well but we are finding every way possible to lose a game and it's costing us.

"Look at the Villa game. There wasn't a lot more that could have gone wrong in the game - a penalty, a sending-off (Karl Henry), someone carried off (Emmanuel Frimpong).

"It was another game we should have won on the back of our terrific first-half performance.

"But it goes down as another heroic failure, which I don't want. It's been the story of our season."

Nenad Milijas is poised to replace midfielder and former skipper Henry, who will have to serve a three-game ban for his sending-off, against the Reds.

The Serbia international is back available after serving his own three-match suspension for a red card against Arsenal.

Henry apologises for 'bad error'

Midfielder Karl Henry has apologised to Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, players and the club's supporters for the 'stupid mistake' which led to his sending off against Aston Villa at the weekend.

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Former skipper Henry was given a straight red card 15 minutes from time with the score 2-2 after kicking out at Villa winger Marc Albrighton. He acknowledges his error "cost" Wolves the game as a late Robbie Keane goal earned Villa a 3-2 success at Molineux.

Henry, who now faces a three-game ban, said: "It was frustrating as I was trying to get to the ball and Albrighton was holding on to my leg. I was trying to get to the ball and I just kicked out in frustration to try and get away. As soon as I did it, I thought 'what have I done' because you can't react like that on a football pitch."

He added: "Albrighton made the most of it but I know I shouldn't have done it. I hold my hands up, it was a bad error of judgement and a terrible reaction which you just can't do.

"Ultimately it has cost us. We weren't in front at the time but were level and I left us with 10 men for the final 15 minutes which saw them go on and get the winning goal. I have cost us."

Henry added: "I have apologised to the manager and the rest of the lads and would like to apologise to the fans as well because it was really poor.

"It's going to be a long month now for me without being able to play for three games.

"I've got to sit it out for three vital games but I'm sure the boys will do the job and get us out of the relegation zone. On the plus side we've been playing well over the last six weeks or so.

"The performances have been much better and we may have drawn a fair few games but only lost one over the Christmas period and that was a late goal to Chelsea.

"It was another good performance on Saturday and I'm really disappointed we didn't get anything."

O'Hara out for two more weeks

Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara could be sidelined for another fortnight due to a slow recovery from double hernia surgery in early December.

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Wolves boss Mick McCarthy had been hopeful of O'Hara returning to action within six weeks of the operation last month but that target has now been and gone.

O'Hara will again be absent for next Tuesday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool, with McCarthy confirming: "Jamie won't be ready for Liverpool. He's going to be another week to two weeks yet."

O'Hara played a key role in Wolves surviving in the Barclays Premier League last season when on loan from Tottenham but he has struggled to make the same impact during the current campaign before his injury setback.

McCarthy cautious over signings

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will only sign players he believes can make an instant impact in the club's Barclays Premier League survival battle.

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Wolves dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season after losing at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

McCarthy retains the support of club owner Steve Morgan, and said: "If there was a player there for us to sign, and it's one we can do, then he (owner Steve Morgan) would be supportive. But it is difficult to get anyone - and particularly anyone who fits straight into the team."

He added: "Trying to get someone in, who has been in an around the Premier League and understands it, is very hard.

"There is nothing imminent but we will keep on trying. It's got to be someone who will improve the team, not just to fill up the squad."

McCarthy has given his support to former skipper Karl Henry who has apologised for his sending off against Aston Villa.

Midfielder Henry will be banned for three games after aiming a kick at Villa winger Marc Albrighton and receiving a straight red card.

McCarthy said: "There is no excuse for it and Karl gets a kick up the backside for doing it. He's apologised to me and the players.

"But he hasn't made many mistakes in the last five and a half years at Wolves and has been brilliant for this club. He gets my support for the next 13 games he will be available for."

Coleman confirmed as new Wales boss

Chris Coleman has been confirmed as the new manager of Wales.

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The 41-year-old former Wales defender succeeds Gary Speed who died in November at the age of 42. Coleman began his managerial career with Fulham in 2003, spending four years at Craven Cottage before having spells at Spanish club Real Sociedad, Coventry and Greek club Larissa, who he left earlier this month."

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford said in a statement: "This has been a very difficult process.

He added: "We have explored every avenue, every scenario possible. We have taken on board the thoughts and views of the backroom staff, the players and the supporters.

"All along we believe that we have been respectful and dignified and had no wish to be involved in a public debate on the appointment of Gary's successor.

"Gary was the manager of Welsh football and of course we want to continue his legacy. He was not a figurehead, he was the manager and that is why we have decided on the appointment of Chris Coleman to build on the excellent foundations put in place by Gary."

Wales to name new boss

The Football Association of Wales will name the successor to Gary Speed as national team manager on Thursday.

The identity of the new manager will be confirmed in a press conference at St David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay scheduled for midday, the FAW confirmed to Press Association Sport.

Former Wales internationals Chris Coleman and John Hartson have both expressed strong interest in taking over from Speed, who died in November.

Coleman was due to hold talks over the job with FAW officials this week and has appeared to be the front-runner for the post.

Other names linked with the role have included Ryan Giggs, Ian Rush and Speed's assistant Raymond Verheijen.

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McCarty still up for Cup

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has pledged an FA Cup replay full of excitement at Molineux after admitting the first meeting with Birmingham was 'a damp squib'.

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McCarthy is bemused that ITV have chosen to show tonight's meeting live after the lacklustre and goalless 90 minutes at St Andrew's when chances were at a premium.

But he believes the return will be a "barnstorming" encounter even though both sides will again make several changes from their league league line-ups, saying: "Those who watched the first game probably won't come back. That's 14,000 not coming already."

He added: "Why the hell it is on TV after the first game? People say the first game was dreadful. It wasn't as good as that. It was just a damp and dreary old day coming on the back of Christmas. It felt like a damp squib from the start.

"I guess everyone is hoping for a better game. I guess lightning can't strike twice. Let's hope not. It will be a barnstorming cup-tie. Our games generally are exciting. We score and concede goals and it will be different to the first game.

"We both want to get through and we both want to get through in 90 minutes. None of us want to play two hours of dreary, drab football. We are playing 4-4-2, we are going for it."

McCarthy will rest nine-goal leading scorer Steven Fletcher and injury deprives him of former Blues defender Roger Johnson, who has an ankle problem. But he is adamant Wolves want to progress in the competition as they take a break from their battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

McCarthy said: "We still want to do well in the cup. It does matter. There will be a much changed team in the replay but there will be a strong team. For example, Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake will start upfront and a lot of teams would be thrilled to have those two upfront."

Birmingham, who will also make changes, have rejected a bid from West Brom for defender Liam Ridgewell.

The Baggies enquired last summer about Ridgewell who submitted a transfer request towards the end of the last transfer window. He is one of the few survivors still at the club from the side which won the Carling Cup 11 months ago.

McCarthy critical of Mancini

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy wants his Manchester City counterpart Roberto Mancini to stop waving imaginary cards at officials during matches.

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Mancini has been seen making such actions in recent matches between City and opponents Liverpool and Wigan, following a foul by Reds defender Glen Johnson and a handball by Latics defender Maynor Figueroa on the halfway line.

"None of us should do it. It is something I don't like. There is a cultural difference. Roberto is in this country now." said McCarthy.

"It is a little blip on a really good career for him at Man City because he handles himself with such good dignity and grace.

"He has done it. I wouldn't expect him to do it to one of my players or anyone else for that matter. I don't think anyone should do it. It is wrong. It looks bad and I'm sure if it is pointed out, Roberto won't do it again.

"I see [Wigan boss] Roberto Martinez has said the same and he has been here long enough and he understands it is just not done."

He continued: "I had it with QPR a while back. I took real offence to it. [Assistant manager] Bruno Oliveira did it.

"We didn't see eye to eye on that. Paolo Sousa was in charge and he was really apologetic and he explained that is their culture. But I said 'you are in our league and our culture, don't do it and we will get on'."

McCarthy added: "We have to give people a bit of credence for different culture and different places. But when they come here they have to understand like if I go anywhere else, I have to understand their culture.

"I was asked the other day should we be teaching players coming into this country to behave. I said 'no, I know how to behave and I've been all over the world in my capacity as Irish manager and not upset anyone'."

Tottenham 1-1 Wolverhampton: Match Report

Spurs miss chance to go top

Tottenham blew their chance to claim a share of the Barclays Premier League`s top spot as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Wolves.

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Mick McCarthy's men stunned the home side by taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Steven Fletcher poked home.

And Spurs struggled to give Wayne Hennessey a real test until the second half and it took a 20-yard strike from Luka Modric to ensure they left with a point on an underwhelming afternoon that will do little to convince their doubters that they are credible title contenders.

Tottenham could have moved level with leaders Manchester City and neighbours United with a win, but they are now likely to head in to next weekend's showdown at the Etihad Stadium five points behind the leaders, who play at Wigan on Monday.

For all the pre-match talk of Spurs being serious challengers, they played like anything but champions in the making, especially early on.

McCarthy, whose Wolves team arrived in London without a win since December 4, cut an animated figure on touchline in opening 15 minutes, but he had little reason to worry.

Modric squirted a shot wide and then had a powerful effort blocked by a posse of Wolves defenders, before he blazed over soon after.

Then, in the 22nd minute, White Hart Lane was stunned in to silence by a controversial Fletcher opener.

The visitors were awarded a dubious corner when Kyle Walker was adjudged to have touched the ball on its way out despite the full-back insisting he did not.

Brad Friedel parried Roger Johnson's header from the corner in to the path of Fletcher and he made no mistake from eight yards. It was the first goal Spurs had conceded at home in 359 minutes.

Gareth Bale stung Hennessey's hands with a low drive as Spurs looked for an immediate equaliser and Van der Vaart blazed over.

Johnson blocked Van der Vaart's goal-bound effort and Modric volleyed at Hennessey as the Spurs onslaught continued, but Wolves' defending was resolute.

Dave Edwards then found space in the Spurs box in a rare Wolves attack but he totally mis-cued his shot.

Harry Redknapp's frustration got the better of him just before the break when he shouted angrily at a member of the Wolves bench for failing to return the ball to the field of play.

The home crowd urged Spurs on and they thought they had equalised in first-half injury-time, but Adebayor's toe-poke from eight yards was ruled out for offside.

Emmanuel Frimpong charged at the Spurs defence moments later and they backed off until Younes Kaboul got a block in.

Already booked, the Ghanian was given his final warning after the break when he clattered in to Modric, but the midfielder almost put Wolves 2-0 up moments later but his fierce volley was parried by Friedel.

The home supporters' frustration grew after Bale skied a shot from the edge of the area, but they were on their feet moments later thanks to Modric.

Van der Vaart skilfully turned in the box to square to Bale, who laid the ball off to the Croatian and he hammered home from 20 yards through a sea of defenders.

Aaron Lennon should have made it 2-1 moments later but he could only fire in to Hennessey's arms after the Wolves 'keeper had saved from Modric.

Frimpong hauled down Lennon on the edge of the box but did not receive a second yellow card. McCarthy was willing to take no more chances on the youngster, however, and he came off for Stephen Hunt with just over 20 minutes left.

Redknapp brought on Jermain Defoe for Lennon as he tried to find a way through.

The England striker, reportedly unhappy at his lack of first-team action, almost made an immediate impact, latching on to a clearance before firing a fierce low drive which Hennessey saved with his feet.

Walker ran 70 yards before seeing his deflected shot sail just wide as the game entered what promised to be a nervous final 10 minutes.

Modric fired a shot just over Hennessey's bar from 25 yards and Scott Parker mis-hit an effort with the goal gaping with five minutes left.

Christophe Berra's foul on Parker gave Spurs a free-kick 20 yards out with little over 30 seconds left but his curled effort went over and the game ended in disappointment as Redknapp's men had to settle for a point.