Boss Mick McCarthy insists he never questioned Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's ability to cut it at the highest level after the striker was once again on target at Molineux this afternoon.

Ebanks-Blake's second goal of the season in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle was also his third in six top flight appearances stretching back to last season, of which two have been as a substitute.

His emphatic start to the campaign after an excellent pre-season has left the boss with some pleasing selection problems up front given he also has joint record signings Steven Fletcher and Kevin Doyle to choose from.

"It was a terrific finish from Sylvan," said Mick.

"People questioned his ability to play at this level after last season but I wasn't one of them.

"He was unfortunate last year, he never really got up to speed with it, lots of us didn't.

"We switched to playing 4-5-1 and Doyler was up front and was brilliant and Sylvan couldn't get a game and couldn't get battle hardened and up to match speed.

"He has already got back to that this year and came back hungry, having a great pre-season and starting very well after a lean time last year.

"He's got his starts and has deserved his starting his place today and confirmed it by scoring a goal.

"It was another very good performance from him as well."

It was certainly a day for in-form number nines as Newcastle's Andy Carroll followed up his hat trick against Aston Villa with the equaliser.

The Wolves boss was impressed with Carroll, but also disappointed with the defending for his headed leveller.

"Andy Carroll is an excellent player," he said.

"Of his type he's one of the best about.

"If you allow him to run onto a header he's unstoppable and that's what he did with the goal.

"We didn't really do our jobs properly on that which was disappointing but he's a real handful."