The Premier League are investigating Blackpool boss Ian Holloway's decision to make the changes to his side for Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Villa Park. Wolves were given a suspended £25,000 fine when McCarthy made a similar move for a game at Old Trafford last season, which they lost 3-0. And the former Sunderland and Republic of Ireland manager believes Blackpool can expect the same treatment. He said: "They won't escape it, how can they? If they do then the Premier League is absolutely toothless." Holloway has threatened to quit if his team are punished, something McCarthy hopes will not happen to his friend. He added: "I wouldn't want to see him quit, I can't imagine for one minute he would. "They won't let him, all the Blackpool fans will drag him back." Holloway has apologised to McCarthy for suggesting that he had admitted "playing a lesser XI" against Manchester United last season as he felt his side could not win. McCarthy was unhappy with such a suggestion but revealed: "I've spoken to Ollie about the comments attributed to me and my team and he has apologised to me and said he will apologise publicly. "If anyone can find those comments from me, saying I couldn't beat Manchester United and was going to field a weakened side, then they are a better man than me. "I was less than pleased when I saw the comments because me and Ollie are pals and have always been very supportive of each other. "He supported me last year when this happened to me but, fair play to him, he has apologised and we will stay mates and that's the way it should be."
