Boss Mick McCarthy admitted Wolves can't afford to concede goals in the manner they did against Blackburn after this afternoon's 3-1 defeat at Ewood Park.

Despite a bright start to both halves of the game Wolves were undone by goals from El-Hadji Diouf, Jason Roberts and David Dunne with substitute Stefan Maierhofer's late strike on his debut a mere consolation.

"It's very disappointing," said the boss.

"We started the game reasonably well and had probably the best chance.

"But when we give the ball away in the middle of the park and let Diouf run through one-on-one with the keeper it's likely to end in tears which it did.

"It changes the whole course of the game and then they have a spell.

"We got away with it when they hit the post just before half time but started the second half well.

"We have a chance and maybe a penalty appeal but then we don't defend from a corner kick and concede another goal and not many teams come back from going two down at this level.

"We kept going and got one back but there aren't many positives when you come away and lose 3-1 and I'm not looking for anything to brighten my evening up.

"What I would say is that Wayne Hennessey had a particularly good game making some fine saves."

Stefan's impact as a half time substitute was another of those positives as he went close with a header and a shot as well as the late close range finish from a corner.

"Stefan came on and caused problems for them physically," said Mick.

"He had a couple of touches when he gave the ball away but when you bear in mind he trained with us for about an hour yesterday he did very well.

"There are a lot of strikers who play in the Premier League and never score a goal and he's got one in 45 minutes and could have got a couple of others.

"He'll be judged on his goals but he also worked hard, putting himself about and did all the things I'd expect of a striker, as well as getting his goal."

Mick meanwhile also explained the absence of George Elokobi from the starting line-up for today's game.

"George and Ronald Zubar turned up late for the team meeting at the hotel before the game," he said.

"George would have been playing and Ronald would have been on the bench but if you're late you don't play - simple as that.

"They miss the game but if there's one high point from that then I thought Matty Hill was excellent at left back."

* Tickets are still available for the home game with Fulham, on Sunday September 20 (2pm) which is NOT being shown live on television. This is the first of the season's Wolves 4 Family Football fixtures.