Mick shows his faith in McCarey

McCarthy's refusal to allow young keeper to go out on loan gives starlet hope he can push for first-team role

WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy has turned down approaches from a number of clubs who want to take his young Irish keeper Aaron McCarey on loan -- a vote of confidence for the Monaghan-born player.

McCarey, who is still only 18, has impressed a number of scouts and managers with his displays for the reserves at Wolves since his move from Monaghan United last year, he earned praise after Wolves beat Chelsea's second string 4-0 last month.

That left club managers queuing up to try and sign McCarey on loan, but McCarthy has said no because he may need the Irish lad for first-team duties.

PITY

"I've already been told that I can't go home to Ireland for Christmas because I might be needed for the first team, and while it's a pity to miss Christmas at home, it's a good reason," McCarey said as Wolves prepare for tomorrow's big local derby with Birmingham City.

"I'm third-choice keeper at the moment behind Wayne Hennessy and Marcus Hahnemann but we have so many games over Christmas and the New Year that the manager is afraid of injuries and suspensions so he wants me here.

"I had a chat with Mick about it last week, he said that a few clubs had come in to try and sign me on loan as they'd heard good things about me, but he wants me here for now.

"Maybe in January or February, when things are a bit quieter, I might get to go out on loan and that would be great, to get some more first-team experience," added McCarey, who was playing first team football for Monaghan last year when he was 17.

"Things are going well for me and I'm happy with the progress I have made so far. I have 18 months left on my contract and we haven't started talking about a new deal yet, there's plenty of time for that, but I feel like I have a future here at Wolves.

"I have come on leaps and bounds as a player since I came to England.When you're at a club like Wolves, the standard is so high as you have international players all over the place, right throughout the squad, and I feel part of that squad now.

"For the first few months of the season I was mainly training with the reserves and only working with the first team two or three times a week, but for the past month I've been with the first team every day and that has brought my game on as well.

"I'd love to get some first-team experience now. I know I'll have to wait a bit at Wolves as I have Wayne and Marcus -- two top keepers -- ahead of me, but if I can get some games on loan I feel I can really challenge for a slot here," added McCarey.

"I have been here for a year now and I have a better idea of what it's about. Hard work is the most important thing over here, ability will only get you so far."

SLOT

Times are hard for Wolves these days, with McCarthy's side struggling at the foot of the Premier League table, but McCarey feels that the squad have the ability to escape the relegation zone.

"Results haven't gone our way but everyone at the club is very positive and I feel we have what it takes to get out of the relegation zone," he said.

"We have two massive games now with Birmingham and West Brom the following week, but we can get out of trouble."