Mick McCarthy tonight admitted he was left disappointed Wolves didn't actually hit back to take all three points after hauling back a two-goal half time deficit for another hard-fought point at Stoke.

 

Wolves were on the rails as they went in 2-0 adrift thanks to an own goal from George Elokobi and fierce shot from Matthew Etherington, but a brace from former Stoke loanee Jody Craddock, both set up by half time substitute Nenad Milijaš, dragged the visitors level midway through the second half.

 

And as the game reached its closing stages it was Wolves who threatened with a couple of breakaways without being able to produce what would have proved a sensational winner.

"We know we've got character in the team and it's good to come back but I'm actually disappointed we haven't gone on and won the game today," said the boss.

 

"If we'd had a bit more of the ice cold water running through our veins rather than red hot blood pumping through then we might have scored from one of the breaks.

 

"Although we were two down at half time I never thought we were out of the game.

 

 

"I knew if we could get a bit more of the ball - which Nenad did - and stopped giving it back to them so much and letting them put it amongst us then I thought we'd have a chance.

 

"The lads were all saying as they went out for the second half the next goal would be crucial and it was great that we got it so quickly.

 

"We've scored from a free kick and a corner which is normally Stoke's domain so that was nice.

 

"They had the first half by a good margin and I think we dominated the second by an even greater margin."

 

The boss was pleased to see Nenad so heavily involved in Wolves' comeback, acknowledging he'd love to find the Serbian a regular place in the team as he continues to adapt to the English game.

 

"We'd been a bit scrappy in not keeping the ball in the first half and Nenad gave us that quality," Mick added.

 

"And his delivery has been fantastic.

 

"He has taken time to settle in terms of getting used to the pace and so on but it will be good to get him in the team."

 

As for Jody, it was once again business as usual from the club captain who continues to display all his reserves of resilience.

 

 

The long-serving defender has twice nearly left the club, on one occasion almost joining Stoke two years ago.

 

"We had a few other defenders in front of him at the time and Jody needed to play so he came to Stoke," Mick explained.

 

"Tony (Pulis) did like him and there might have been a chance he'd have come here for good but we called him back.

 

"He's just been brilliant and I'm not sure I know anyone who's as resilient as he is.

"He nearly went off on loan last season as well in January but he stayed, came back in and ended up lifting the trophy at the end of the season.

 

"It shows just how much experience can play a part and is important among all the youthful legs.

"It's about knowing how to defend as well and how to attack the ball which Jody did for the two goals.

 

"When he does that you've always got a chance."

 

That's three successive draws for Wolves from difficult assignments against Everton, Aston Villa and Stoke, with Arsenal and Chelsea now around the corner.

 

Amid all those positive signs Mick admits he'd have preferred to have won one!

"We've now picked up three draws and perhaps should have won at least one of them," he said.

 

"I'm sick of playing well and only coming away with a point.

 

"The performances have been good but I think we should have got more points.

"Now we play two of the big guns and maybe it's set up for us to turn them over eh?

"Everyone wants to be negative about it but maybe we're due a win!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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