Midfield role for Wolves’ Kevin Foley

Midfield role for Wolves’ Kevin Foley — Express & Star

Kevin Foley has been earmarked for more central midfield duties by Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.

The Republic of Ireland international was voted fans’ Player of the Year in 2008-09 playing right-back.

But two of his three appearances have been in the central role after playing the second half of last season at wide right.

And McCarthy believes the 25-year-old has the football brain and mobility to play more in a midfield role.

“I’ve played Kevin in midfield because I know he can play there,” said the boss.

“Kev’s been versatile – right-back and right wing – and he’s very comfortable with the ball. We’ll have to play three in the middle from time to time and I like him in there because he’s comfortable.

“He gives us another option in there.”

Y! again has Foley listed as a defender, but if he's going to continue in midfield he might be a bargain signing. Of course in his run at right mid last year he didn't do too much, but still. Hard to resist the defender playing in midfield.  Maybe he's this year's Mancienne, if not this year's Kevin Foley.

Early Doors

Benitez insists he will slowly nurse the club’s leading scorer this season back into action as he does not want him to suffer yet another injury setback.

The Reds boss revealed Torres will again be a substitute in the Europa League second-leg clash in Romania against Unirea Urziceni on Thursday night, but it is hoped he will be able to select him from the start in Sunday’s home Premier League game with Blackburn.

Benitez said: “We decided to put him in the squad (against City) because he was training well last Friday. Now he can carry on and progress. He will be ready soon.

“We have to be careful because it has been a long time. Now it is a question of one step at a time.”

He added: “You cannot push him too hard because you could lose the player and it is not necessary.

“We will see how he progresses and we will decide each day.”

As I wrote on Monday, I think Torres is one for next week, but it will be worth following the news to see if there is any stronger indication that he'll get a run out from the start against Rovers.

Meanwhile, in the West Midlands...

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is set to name unchanged line-up for a third successive game for Saturday’s latest survival collision at Bolton.

The Molineux chief, who has earned a reputation for regularly changing his team this season in a bid to find a winning formula, has Michael Mancienne available again after ineligibility prevented him facing his parent club Chelsea last weekend.

But he was so impressed with the players’ application in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat that he hinted at retaining faith with the same XI at the Reebok that fell harshly to the Premier League leaders 2-0 and beat Tottenham 1-0...

And he revealed his satisfaction at the way Kevin Foley – described by critics as a square peg in a round hole – has adapted to his new role at wide right in the absence of the injured Michael Kightly, Dave Edwards and Andy Keogh...

“People tell me Kevin Foley is a full-back but he’s played really well for us in that position.

“He keeps the ball and but for a world class save he would have scored the equaliser against Chelsea.

“He had a couple of chances at Birmingham as well.

“It’s definitely suiting us to play the way we’re playing.

The Kevins, Doyle and Foley, are definitely on my radar for this weekend's match.

And in news that will interest Gareth Bale owners, especially those of you who have been enjoying his services at 2...

Assou-Ekotto could be available for this weekend's clash with Everton, but he concedes that he cannot expect to walk back into the team.