Wolves boss Mick McCarthy would "hang his hat" on the character of his players as they continue their quest for survival in the Barclays Premier League.

Yesterday's derby draw at Aston Villa followed an early period the match when the hosts were right on top of their game and took the lead through John Carew, perhaps suggesting an easy afternoon ahead in their own bid for points at the other end of the table.

But Wolves hit back to lead at the break, and were eight minutes away from a famous victory until Carew pounced again to ensure the two teams shared the spoils for the second time this season.

"When I get asked about the reaction of the players to going behind it's almost like I should be surprised that they reacted like they did," said Mick.

"A lot of the lads were here from last season when we had a really bad run and people questioned us.

"And we ended up winning the Championship by seven points.

"I know there were people questioning the motivation and character and all the usual things.

"I can understand people doing it but I know I will never question it.

"They are a great set of lads and I'd hang my hat on them all."

One of those such characters is Jody Craddock, who in the week it was revealed he has been offered a new Wolves contract notched his fifth goal of the season and contributed with Christophe Berra to a manful defensive display to keep Villa's attacking threats as quiet as possible.

"Jody would admit himself he didn't expect to play as many games this season," says Mick.

"And he's also pushing to be leading goalscorer!

"He's a fabulous example to everybody of a senior pro and a delight to have.

"He's doing really well and that's why we've offered him a contract."

The boss was able to pick the same starting eleven for the sixth successive game at Villa Park.

He admits that's a "luxury" that hasn't been available to him for much of the season due to injuries and the team growing in belief and ability to compete at the top level.

"My team selections always seem to cause plenty of debate!" he says.

"And now I've kept it the same for six matches!

"Of course it helps to name an unchanged team.

"That luxury wasn't available to me earlier in the season.

"For example David Jones was injured up until Christmas.

"It was injuries that caused changes as we had players missing.

"We've worked on it and got a system and Doyler has been terrific up front on his own.

"It's also helped that we're now getting results."

Wolves have now taken four points from the first two games of their claret-and-blue awayday hat trick, with West Ham next on the agenda on Tuesday.

And the boss will be demanding another performance from his players as they look to add further to their points tally.

"It's four points from two games but I'll tell you how good a week it has been on Tuesday," he said.

"It's certainly a good effort so far."