We were at them from the first whistle

Last updated : 16 February 2009 By Tony Scholes
McCarthy felt he set his side out to attack and go for the win when possibly he should have been more cautious, an interesting observation given that they were behind for most of the game.

He said: "We are always disappointed when we lost but perhaps I should take responsibility. In the last two away games I've set up as 4-4-2 with two wingers, wide open with the express intention of winning it, and maybe I have to look at those tactics.

"We've played like that all season long and were being loved for it when we posted two seven game winning runs and got to the top of the league and it was fantastic. Now we're not being loved as much at the moment that's for sure and it's been difficult for us. Perhaps we're having a tough time and I should have changed it so I'll take the rap for that today.

"Away from home I believe we've got the players and ammunition to be able to play in the way we have but we haven't managed to score which doesn't happen that often. It's not my way to go more defensive that's for sure and try and nick a point but it might have to be the case."

McCarthy added: "It is a concern to lose, of course it is, and if the teams with games in hand win them we might not be top. That might put a different perspective on it because then we'll be chasing.

"We have got a young squad, maybe the second or third youngest in the league, and there has been pressure. But there was nobody questioning that when we were flying so I'm not going to use it as an excuse.

"I've no doubt they have lost a bit of confidence but I didn't see it before the game today and they responded well to going behind to another poor goal. Sometimes you just need a lucky break to get back on track but you have to earn that, it doesn't just drop on your lap.

"We've been up there to be shot at but I think that will change now if we get knocked off. We might be chasing somebody else and if that's the case that gives us a different perspective."

Clarets boss Owen Coyle was heaping praise on midfielder Chris McCann after the game after the young Irishman had scored the only goal of the game. "It was a terrific piece of football, a great cross from Wade Elliott and Chris McCann does what he does best, arriving in the box for a great finish," Coyle said.

"I've said before I think Chris could step in and play in the Premier League tomorrow. Having worked with him he's getting better all the time and he is one of a group of players we have that have shown they can stand toe to toe with the very best players that are going about."

On the importance of the points he added: "Each and every game in the Championship is a vital three points. I think with the way the results went with Bristol City and Preston winning as well it wouldn't have looked too great if we hadn't achieved the three points. Having said that, there's no doubt we were deserving of them.

"I thought the majority of our play was terrific and it's certainly what I'm asking from them individually and collectively. Wolves are top of the Championship on merit because they've been the best team in the league all season, but I think we showed today that we've got a lot to offer.

"We were at them from the first whistle and it looks tight at 1-0, but with the chances we had the game should have been put to bed. But as we found out at Birmingham last week, when it's not, then it can always be on a knife edge.

"I don't think, with all due respect, they had too many clear cut chances, but there was obviously a bit of pressure with the ball bobbling about the box and anything could happen. But that would have been a real injustice, there's no doubt about that, given what we offered to the game."