Mick McCarthy has again praised Jay Bothroyd for his return to form and favour at Molineux - and revealed he tried to sell the striker in August.

On the eve of the clash with Ipswich at Portman Road, Wolves' boss pinpointed Jay as an example of how players can battle their way back into the first team from the fringes of his squad.

"I told Jay in no uncertain terms he could leave and tried to get him to go as far back as the Watford game," Mick said at today's pre-match press conference.

"I think he spoke to Hull and I gave him permission to talk to them. He didn't want to go, though, and knuckled down. Fair play to him, if he plays like he is, I can't leave him out.

"I gave him enough pelters! But I'm saying nothing here now that I haven't told him to his face in triplicate. His attitude has been very good and I'm really pleased with him and pleased for him."

Jay, having previously impressed in the reserves, marked his first senior start of the season with one of the goals in the 2-0 home victory over his former club Charlton last weekend and kept his place in the follow-up win at Cardiff on Wednesday.

He appears likely to keep his spot tomorrow, although Freddy Eastwood also caught the manager's eye in his substitute appearance at Ninian Park.

"If ever there's an example to follow, it's 'Both'," he added. "Against Purse and Loovens, who are combative defenders to say the least, he was great and worked his socks off.

"Freddy, in the 40 minutes he was on, put a shift in and looked a threat as well. If he does that, he has every chance of playing.

"I know I said Andy Keogh and Stephen Elliott were my preferred strikers but things change and teams evolve. Sometimes it's natural and sometimes you change it.

"My preferred central defensive partnership a few weeks ago was Breeny and Darren Ward, so things have changed there as well. Nothing makes players work harder than a bit of insecurity!"