Boss Mick McCarthy praised the all-round performance of his team in giving their survival prospects a shot-in-the-arm at Burnley this afternoon - but with a note of caution that there remains a long way to go.

 

The boss was delighted with the way his team not only moved into a two-goal lead thanks to Matt Jarvis and an Adlene Guedioura effort deflected by Clarke Carlisle, but also defended stoutly in the closing stages after Steven Thompson's goal made for a nervous last few minutes.

 

The result gave Wolves a three-point breathing space ahead of the relegation zone in advance of Hull's game at Arsenal this evening, but Mick is certainly not getting carried away with nine games still remaining.

 

"It's a big result and we always knew the importance of the game," he said.

 

"The fans will be delighted and rightly so but it's not the be-all and end-all.

 

"We're not out of it by any means, we're still right in there.

 

"I've said all along it will be close and it's what we end up with.

 

"It's not about where we are today - that hasn't made us safe but it will certainly help.

 

"We've got 27 points now and it's just concertina-d it up again hasn't it?

 

"West Ham and Wigan lost and more importantly for us Burnley were beaten.

 

"It just gives us more of a fighting chance."

 

The boss was certainly pleased with the overall display as Wolves picked up their third away win of the campaign and completed a double over Burnley.

"I thought in the main we controlled the first half and got the goal which gave us a bit of a cushion," he explained.

 

"We then started the second half terrifically well and they had to throw men forward and take chances to force the issue and they got a goal back.

 

"So then we had to defend stoutly and manfully and we did.

 

"All round we've shown a lot of good characteristics in that performance - some good play and plenty of determination and character.

"It's huge amounts of desire and character and all those horrible, professional words that we all use.

 

"But without them you don't win any football matches.

 

"The lads have been great and deserved that today."

 

 

Wolves were certainly handed a healthy dollop of good fortune when after Jarvis's excellent anticipation saw him nip in to score the first, Adlene Guedioura's second half shot was deflected in via Clarke Carlisle.

 

But the manager had been quick to point out that fortunes would change after Wolves had been on the wrong end of several incidents in recent weeks.

 

"It's that phrase about the harder you work the luckier you get.

 

"We've been playing well and I'd said if we keep playing that way our luck would change.

 

"I knew we would get a slice of good fortune and it came with the deflection.

"As for Jarvo's goal, he has had an outstanding season.

 

"I'd like to think all the players are getting better and he's learning in a really difficult environment.

 

"It's great for Jarvo to get his goals and he could have had more - he's getting them at the right time if he starts now!

 

"You can bemoan bad luck on the one hand because the ball bounced up and the defender couldn't get a decent head on it or you can congratulate Jarvo for anticipating it and still having the where-with-all to nick it around the keeper and score.

 

"I prefer that one!

 

"There might have been a bit of fortune in there but some good football as well."

 

Overall it was certainly a positive afternoon's work for the team as they headed back down the M6.

 

"It gives us a huge boost," Mick concluded.

 

"Burnley is always a difficult place to come and we got slapped here last year and didn't perform at all.

 

"But that was a good performance by us this afternoon and overall I think we were worthy winners."