Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has explained his reasons for leaving Sylvan Ebanks-Blake out of the squad for Tuesday's game with Liverpool.

But the manager has confirmed the twice Championship Golden Boot winner will be travelling with the team this afternoon for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League trip to Hull.

And while admitting the striker is understandably disappointed, the manager believes the break from action will hopefully do him good.

"The goals that Sylvan has scored have been his strength," said Mick,

"They have got him the kudos he has got in the game, scoring goals.

"He has scored one goal this season from the spot and, how many games have I played him out of the last 20?

"A fair few.  I think you will find there has been a fair bit of loyalty, support, encouragement, arm around the shoulder, trying to get the best out of him.

"Well there does come a point, sometimes for the player's own good, that it is not getting any easier, that goal isn't coming, then they have to come out of the side, and not after one or two games.

"He has played well in some games and the keeper has made some good saves but I have got Sam Vokes chomping at the bit, who was terrific against Palace, big Chris Iwelumo, Stefan Maierhofer, who is back fit.

"I think it is my job to try and pick a different way. If I keep on doing the same things, and it is not working, then they can lock me up."

The boss explained that he makes all his decisions in the best interests of the team rather than any individuals or indeed himself.

"Sylvan is disappointed - and I'd be disappointed if he wasn't," he added.

"I think the players are mature enough to recognise things and I said to him I don't make the decisions on team selection for my benefit - it's for the benefit of the club.

"It was time for him to have a break and time to do something different and sometimes you look at the people who have been left out and wonder what they are thinking.

"I don't do it for their benefit but there are a whole group of people here that have to be managed, but Sylvan is travelling to Hull with us and will be on the coach."

Elsewhere on the team news front the boss is waiting to see if George Elokobi will be able to travel having missed training yesterday with illness.

But Michael Kightly and Dave Edwards are still at least a couple of weeks off having suffered reactions during their return following ankle surgery.

"Kights has got a sore patella and Dave just a problem with the ankle - it's what can happen when they go back into training," said Mick.

"It's sometimes a case of having to protect them, that's all."