Richard Stearman today "held his hands up" for the mistake which saw him sent off in Saturday's defeat against Wigan - admitting he cost the team as a result of his first half dismissal.

While the versatile defender felt the second booking following his pull on James McCarthy was harsh, he admits he could have few complaints about the award of a penalty.

But the England-under-21 international, who has been one of Wolves' most consistent performers so far this season, is determined to come back strongly after serving his one match suspension in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace.

"It was a bit of a nightmare," said Stears.

"I think I was harshly punished to be sent off but that's football.

"I've got to hold my hands up really and at the end of the day I've cost us.

"It's a bad one for me personally and I've let the team down there.

"I've got to get my head down, prevent it happening again and pay the boys back.

"It's not something you think about doing or want to go and do - it's not like I've done anything malicious.

"I've tried to feel where my man is and he's gone down a little bit easily and with the ball going out of play the referee has not only given a penalty but given me a second booking.

"I don't think he remembered he'd already booked me previously but once he'd got the yellow out he had to get the red out as well.

"It's one of those things."

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has already stated that Stears must learn from the moment of madness which cost the club dear against Wigan.

And the player himself, who has had a supportive reaction from his team-mates, also recognises that the biggest punishment may well be losing his place given someone else will now have a chance at the weekend.