Elokobi has been ruled out with a hamstring strain, which opens the door for Molineux’s versatile Ward.

Kightly, who has returned from injury recently, believes Ward – who has operated in defence, midfield and up front for Wolves – is a more than willing and able replacement for the powerhouse defender.

“It’s unfortunate for George and everyone is gutted for him as he’s such a nice lad and has been doing well,” said Kightly.

“It does give someone else a chance and whoever the gaffer chooses to play I am sure he will come in and do a good job.

“If it is Stephen Ward he’s been bang in form in training recently and is always ready.

“I think he would come in and do a good job as he has done already in that position this season.”

Kightly is confident Wolves can bounce back having dropped to the bottom of the table on Saturday because their game against Stoke was called off due to the Potters’ FA Cup semi-final.

“Everyone who has seen the table knows that a couple of wins can shoot you up to mid-table,” he continued.

“We are not worried about going back down to the bottom again.’’

The 24-year-old is currently back at Compton undergoing treatment on a back injury.

But, even if he returns to the West Country to complete his loan to the end of the campaign, Keogh will be back at Molineux next month.

City manager Keith Millen said: “When you look at the types of forward we’ve got he’s quite similar.

“I’m looking to get a balance to the squad and have different options in different areas.”

Keogh, who wanted to rejoin Leeds last summer only for the Whites to be put off by the £2million asking price, has another 15 months on his contract after signing a two-year extension in February 2009.

But, after a patchy season, Wolves know Keogh wouldn’t be able to command that sort of fee.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Bristol City at the end of January and has scored once in nine games, the last five of them all ending in victories.

It’s his second ‘view to a permanent’ move that has fallen through in 2010-11 after his season-long loan at Cardiff ended in January.

Keogh scored twice in 18 games for Dave Jones’ side, but was behind Craig Bellamy, Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra in the pecking order.

Defeats to Newcastle and Everton have left Wolves staring relegation in the face but Kightly claims the players are itching to put those defeats behind them, although they will not be in Premier League action again until Fulham’s visit the weekend after next.

Kightly told the Express and Star: “When you’ve performed like we have the last two games you want the next match to come quickly, so you try to get it out of the way.

“It’s not great but we’ll be working hard on the training pitch and trying to put things right.

“No-one is pointing the finger – it’s a team game and the goals could have maybe been stopped elsewhere on the pitch before they actually went in.

“As a team, we’ve not defended well enough over the last two weeks.”

http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/04/13/Players-itching-to-make-amends—winger/gnid-92452/

McCarthy was irritated at the way his comments on there being “lots of interest” in his star winger were reported over the weekend.

The manager used the example of Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll leaving Liverpool and Newcastle respectively to suggest that players will leave if big clubs offer crazy money and wages.

Chief executive Jez Moxey also told the last Wolves Fans’ Parliament that stars may be sold if the club was relegated.

But, while there has been plenty of talk that Liverpool are tracking new England cap Jarvis, McCarthy insisted the club will not be seeking to cash in on any of their stars this summer.

He said: “I thought the stories at the weekend were ‘bull’ after what I’d said, but it didn’t surprise me.

“At this moment in time, there’s no reason why we’d want to sell anyone, nor any necessity to sell anyone at all.

“We don’t want to sell anyone, and there’s no reason why we should under any circumstances.

“And if we did, it would only be after a discussion between owner Steve Morgan, Jez and myself.

“I was just being honest because there are certain things that you just can’t stop.

“If Chelsea offer £50million for Torres and the player £200,000 a week, and he wants to go and live in London, he isn’t going to stay is he?

“I someone offers £35million for Andy Carroll and whatever he’s on, then he’s not stopping, despite everyone’s protestations.

“I wish the would just come out and say ‘the offer’s too good to turn down and this is going to go ahead.’

“I’d think supporters, if say they’re a fireman or a binman and someone offers them the chance to earn three times their money to work somewhere else and guarantee them a seven-year contract, they would all go.”

McCarthy believes the reported interest in Jarvis from Liverpool may be credable – but not the link with Saturday’s opponents Everton.

The Wolves boss said: “I could understand Liverpool being interested, because they have got Andy Carroll and they want someone to cross it for him. They haven’t got any wingers really.

“But Everton haven’t got any money. It’s nonsense.”

Newcastle    v    Wolverhampton

Barclays Premier League
Venue: St James’ Park Date: Saturday, 2 April Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Newcastle will assess Jose Enrique’s hamstring problem, while Leon Best is out with an ankle injury, but Joey Barton and Jonas Gutierrez are fit.

Danny Guthrie is set to replace key midfielder Cheik Tiote, who begins a two-game ban after picking up his 10th booking of the season at Stoke.

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle could be out for eight weeks after injuring his knee playing for the Republic of Ireland.

Midfielder Stephen Hunt could return from a calf problem.

Suspended: Tiote (two matches), R Taylor (one match)

Doubtful: Enrique (hamstring), Ireland (thigh)

Injured: Ben Arfa (broken leg), Best (ankle), Gosling (knee), Smith (ankle)

Wolves

Doubtful: Guedioura (fitness), Hunt (calf)

Injured: Doyle (knee), Edwards & Zubar (both back)

The last time Wolves won a top-flight match at Newcastle was 7 February 1959, the same day Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy was born. A fortnight ago McCarthy’s side claimed their first win at Aston Villa for 31 years, but if they are to end their long wait for victory at St James’ Park they will have to cope without key man Kevin Doyle.

We have the right type of players in the dressing room to do the job Newcastle boss Alan Pardew

The Republic of Ireland striker damaged knee ligaments on international duty and will be sidelined for between four and eight weeks, potentially ruling him out of Wolves’ remaining fixtures.

While Wolves’ survival hopes have risen following a run of one defeat in six games, the reverse is true for opponents Newcastle. The Magpies begin the weekend in midtable but have won only one of their last nine league games, and are just four points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle this week announced financial results which show they made a £17m loss last season, which they spent in the Championship. The club are now far better off, thanks in part to the £35m raised by Andy Carroll’s sale, but the figures are a timely reminder of just how much is stake between now and the end of the season.

Head-to-head

• All three of the previous Premier League games between the sides ended in 1-1 draws. The reverse fixture in August produced 12 yellow cards, more than any other fixture this term.

• Wolves’ last top-flight win at St James’ Park was a 4-3 victory on 7 February 1959.

Newcastle

• The Magpies have won only one of their last 10 games in league and cup (against Birmingham on 15 February).

• They have drawn five of their last nine matches.

• Newcastle have won just one of their last six Premier League games at St James’ Park.

Wolves

• Wolves are unbeaten in their last four league matches, and their only defeat in the last six was at Arsenal.

• Despite victory at Villa Park a fortnight ago, Wolves’ away record is the worst in the top-flight. They have taken eight points from their 15 league games away from Molineux.

• Fit-again winger Michael Kightly could make his first appearance since November 2009.

• Matt Jarvis has delivered 290 crosses this season, more than any other top-flight player.

Newcastle

Nolan: 11 goals (11 league); Ameobi: 7 goals (4 league)

NB. Carroll scored 11 goals (11 league) for Newcastle

Wolves

Doyle: 8 goals (5 league); Fletcher: 7 goals (5 league)

Referee: Mike Dean

Assistant referees: Glenn Turner & Andy Halliday

Fourth official: Mark Haywood

Newcastle (L0-4 v Stoke, a): Harper, Coloccini, Williamson, Campbell (Gutierrez 66), Jose Enrique (Ferguson 23), Simpson, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Lovenkrands (Ranger 61), Ameobi. Subs not used: Krul, Guthrie, Steven Taylor, Kuqi.

Wolves (W1-0 v Aston Villa, a): Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Elokobi, Hammill (Ebanks-Blake 64), Henry, Milijas, O’Hara, Jarvis (Ward 80), Doyle. Subs not used: Hahnemann, Craddock, Kightly, Fletcher, David Jones.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9439619.stm

Wolves were today facing a waiting game over Kevin Doyle with concerns that he could miss the rest of the season.

The £6.5m striker undergoes scans today on the medial knee ligament damage that caused him to limp out of Ireland’s 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Macedonia in Dublin after 17 minutes.

Doyle’s injury was caused by a bad tackle from behind by Nikolche Noveski, and the initial response from Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni wasn’t good.

“It’s his medial knee ligament. I think he may be out for one or two months, so it’s a very serious injury,” said Trapattoni.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: “We’ve been in contact with Kevin and his knee is hurting.

“He’s the consummate professional and we’re all concerned for him but we have to wait to see the extent of the damage, which we hope to know as soon as possible.

“Of course it would be a massive blow to lose him, but we’ve got two other high quality strikers in Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher.”

But Moxey insisted Matt Jarvis, who could make his England debut in the Wembley friendly against Ghana tomorrow night, would not be withdrawn because of a risk to injury.

If Wolves did pull Jarvis out, he couldn’t play the next two club games under FA rules designed to stop teams withdrawing players from playing in friendlies.

Winger Adam Hammill has been called up by England under-21s for tonight’s friendly against Iceland at Preston (7.45pm) after injuries and the decision of coach Stuart Pearce to rest some key figures.

The Wolves and Republic of Ireland forward would cost a record £8million-plus – and any deal would depend on relegation-threatened Wanderers swapping places with Hoops in the top flight.

The man named as Irish footballer of the year 2010 is set to lead the line for the Republic against Macedonia in tomorrow’s (Saturday) Euro qualifier – but if Rangers get their way, he would lead their challenge in the top flight, assuming the Championship leaders stay where they are all the way to May.

“It might be tough to get Doyle,” said an Rs insider, “but he would be just the player needed if the club is promoted.”

The 27-year-old joined Wolves from Reading in 2009 and still has another two years on his contract after this one. Wolverhampton manager Mick McCarthy would be loathe to let Doyle go – but not as loathe as the player would be to drop a division with Euro 2012 just around the corner.

Officially, nobody at Loftus Road is talking about promotion, but behind the scenes plans are taking shape for a return to the top flight for the first time in 15 years.

McCarthy has praised the unity and consistency shown by club owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey during the battle for survival.

Wolves remain in the bottom three despite a run of eight points from the past four games.

But McCarthy’s position has never been under threat.

“I’ve had that consistency from above and the club and, whatever happens, you will be talking to me next season,” he said.

“There has been a consistency from Steve Morgan, Jez Moxey, Mick McCarthy, the players, everyone connected with the club, and I think the fans have bought into that.

“Am I a bad manager if I’m in the bottom three? I’ve got more points than this time last year.

“It is so easy when a manager is having it tough for everyone to turn against him and suddenly you are out of the door.

“I was looking at the manager of the year awards. Steve Coppell has got two in the last few years, George Burley, and suddenly they find themselves out of work.

“They are not bad managers. Sometimes the fit is wrong. Sometimes it just doesn’t work.”

Wolves winger Matt Jarvis was celebrating his first England call-up after being named in Fabio Capello’s 26-man squad for the Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales and the friendly against Ghana at Wembley on March 29.

Jarvis, 24, was named in a couple of provisional squads already this season but failed to make the final cut.However, with Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson ruled out through injury, Capello has handed Jarvis his chance to compete for starting spots with Aaron Lennon and Ashley Young.

Lennon is included for the first time since England’s last qualifier against Montenegro in October.

More notable is the return of new Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who impressed Capello hugely when he made his debut in the friendly defeat to France in November.

The £35million forward missed last month’s encounter with Denmark due to a thigh injury but the England coach always made it clear Carroll would return once he had regained his fitness.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is back, along with Peter Crouch in a larger than usual squad that will accommodate the Ghana clash, for which the visitors have sold an incredible 21,000 tickets.

It is the Wales encounter that is crucial though, with England knowing they cannot afford to drop any more points at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday if they are not to hand the Group G initiative to Montenegro, who have collected 10 points from their opening four games.

Little wonder Capello was so keen to reinstate John Terry as captain, although the manner of the decision being implemented is said to have caused frustration to a number of his players, including ousted skipper Rio Ferdinand.

The Manchester United defender, currently out of action with a calf injury, declined an opportunity to speak with the Italian and is said to be deeply unhappy, if not with the actual decision to hand the armband to Terry, then for Capello’s failure to inform him prior to the move becoming public knowledge.

If Jarvis is selected for either of the forthcoming games, he would become the first Wolves player to appear for England in over two decades, since striker Steve Bull won the last of his 13 caps in October 1990.

Squad in full: Foster (Birmingham), Green (West Ham), Hart (Manchester City); Baines (Everton), Cahill (Bolton), A Cole (Chelsea), Dawson (Tottenham), Jagielka (Everton), Johnson (Liverpool), Lescott (Manchester City), Terry (Chelsea, captain), Walker (Tottenham – on loan at Aston Villa); Barry (Manchester City), Downing (Aston Villa), Jarvis (Wolves), Lampard (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Milner (Manchester City), Parker (West Ham), Young (Aston Villa), Wilshere (Arsenal); Bent (Aston Villa), Carroll (Liverpool), Crouch (Tottenham), Defoe (Tottenham), Rooney (Manchester United).

By England MAD

http://www.england-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/wolves_forward_jarvis_called_up_660027/index.shtml

Lets look at the games remaining for the bottom 9 teams, and that brings in Stoke, Villa, Blackburn, Blackpool, Albion, Blues, West Ham, Wolves and Wigan.

Stoke will probably be ok but they have the distraction of a Cup Semi Final and a none too easy run in. They have home games against Newcastle, Chelsea, Wolves, Arsenal and Wigan. Lets give them 7 points from those. And away games at Spurs, Villa, Blackpool and Man City. 3 points maybe from those. So ten more points on top of the 34 they already have, so 44 will be plenty.

Villa are probably too good to go down. Their home games are Wolves, Newcastle, Stoke, Wigan and Liverpool. 8 points from those. And away games at Everton, West Ham, Albion and Arsenal. They can probably find one win from those so 11 more points would take them to 44 also.

Blackburn have home games against Blackpool, Birmingham, Man City, Bolton and Man Utd. I will give them 6 points for those but that might be being generous. Their away games are at Arsenal, Everton, West Ham and Wolves. I don’t think they will win any of those so I reckon they will get maybe 7 more points in total taking them to 39.

Blackpool have home games against Arsenal, Newcastle, Wigan, Stoke and Bolton. Like most people I have been underestimating what Blackpool can achieve for most of the season, so I will give them 7 points from those. The away games are at Blackburn, Fulham, Spurs and Man Utd. Can’t see them winning any of those so I will estimate 8 more points overall to take them to 40.

Our good friends the Albion have home games to come against Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Villa and  Everton. No easy ones there and I will give them 5 points. They have to travel to Sunderland, Spurs, Wolves and Newcastle. Lets be generous and say they will win one of those (I dread to think which one) so they can get 8 more points to take them to 40.

Birmingham have won a cup but can they stay up? They have a game in hand on the other teams in the bottom half but have only 4 home games left against Bolton, Sunderland, Wolves and Fulham. They will need a couple of wins so lets give them 7 points. 6 away games are at Wigan, Blackburn, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Spurs. They could get 4 points from those so lets say they can get 11 points from 10 games and that would take them to 42 and safety.

West Ham have 4 home games left against Man Utd, Villa, Blackburn and Sunderland. They can win a couple of those for 6 or 7 points. Their away games are at Spurs, Bolton, Chelsea, Man City and Wigan. I can’t see them getting much more than 3 points from those so we will be generous and give them 10 more points to end up on 41.

Wigan also have only 4 left at home and meet Birmingham, Spurs, Everton and West Ham. A good run in could see them get 7 points. Their away games are at Chelsea, Blackpool, Sunderland, Villa and Stoke. All told thats not  a bad run in and they could get 5 or 6 points away. So lets give them 12 from the last 9 games (which is generous compared to what they have done all season) and that would see them end on 39.

So my conclusion from all that is that Blackburn, Blackpool, Albion and Wigan are all going to be hovering around 40 points come the end of the season so I reckon that 41 points will be enough to survive. That gives Wolves a target of 12 points from 9 games.

Wolves have just 4 home games left and it’s the home form that has kept them in contention all season. They have matches at Molineux against Everton, Fulham, Albion and Blackburn. I think they will get 7 points from those. That leaves 5 away games at Villa, Newcastle, Stoke, Birmingham and Sunderland. They need to find a win in one of those and they have only won one on the road all season. My unbiased view is that we could end on 40 points too!

As if we didn’t know it, it’s going to be very close. And goal difference may well settle it. Wigan have by far the worst goal difference and at the moment Blackburn the best of the 5 contenders. As for Wolves, Albion and Blackpool they are all currently showing a goal difference of -15.

Wish I hadn’t written this article. I suddenly feel very stressed.

http://wolves.theoffside.com/team-news/how-many-points-will-wolves-need.html