They are playing out of their skins for this football club

Last updated : 13 February 2009 By Tony Scholes
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has seen his side hold on to the top position despite a difficult run of results and said of the Clarets: "Burnley are a good side with some good, experienced players.

"They had a fantastic run in the Carling Cup and were very unfortunate in not going through against Tottenham after a fantastic second leg performance. They only got beaten by a fabulous goal from a £12 million striker. They play good football as well, there's no bashing it up to the front men and then trying to strangle the game.

"As well as some good individuals there's also a real team work ethic. Their fitness levels have been impressive and epitomised by Graham Alexander who I think has played every minute of every game at 37 years of age. I think that epitomises the work ethic that Owen Coyle has got there."

On his own side he admitted: "We want to get back to winning ways of course we all do. But we have to earn that, it doesn't come through anything other than playing well and not conceding goals.

"If we conceded the goals that we've conceded at Blackpool and Bristol City, the third having got back in front against Norwich and then again at Coventry then it won't happen. We've actually been looking comfortable in away games when we've been in front but have conceded in ways we shouldn't have done.

"We score more than anybody else but there are only a few in the league that have conceded less. Of course there aren't any of us that are infallible and don't make mistakes. People sometimes say as a former defender I must be pulling my hair out when I see mistakes, but I made mistakes as a defender as well, I just didn't make the same one twice in a season."

Owen Coyle has asked his players not to miss out on the opportunity facing them. "I've told them to make sure it's not a case of 'what if' and I've stressed to them that these opportunities, particularly on the back of the Carling Cup, don't come around every season," he said.

"I know that they are going to give me everything they've got and as a manager that sits comfortably with me, knowing that these players are giving everything they can for the football club. I think as a group of players they are remarkable. Everything they offer is to do their best for the club.

"Those that don't play are disappointed, but they come off the bench to play their part and I have nothing but admiration for how they go about their jobs. I think the whole town should be proud of the players because they have done their best, and will continue to do their best for them for the remainder of the season.

"It's an unbelievable effort from them all and that's what we need again now. We are focused on what we've got left in front of us and looking to take that hunger and use it as motivation to try and win games against some tough opposition.

"It doesn't come any tougher than Wolves, but we'll be ready and give everything we've got to get those three points."

He then warned the fans regarding expectation and admitted we were again over achieving against what could be really be expected.

"The problem with football, with all due respect, is that supporters get carried away. Burnley supporters will feel that they should be top of the Championship because we have been in the Carling Cup semi-final and we're still in the FA Cup.

"The balance between expectation and realism is there for everybody to see. Realistically we should have not got to this point, doing what we have already done. We should have not got to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup given the finances and everything else.

"What we know though is that we are starting to build a team which is work in progress. I would have loved to have brought more players in the summer, but finances couldn't allow that.

"This group of players, the staff and supporters, are the ones who have done this all together, and because you've done so well and shown you're a good side then the expectation rises all the time.

"You could say we have made a rod for our own back, but we are quite happy to accept that. We also want people to know those lads are giving everything they've got. They are playing out of their skins for this football club and that should be recognised."