McCarthy: Rivals virtually safe

Published Apr. 14, 2011 3:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mick McCarthy believes two of Wolves' Midlands rivals in Aston Villa and West Brom have virtually guaranteed Premier League survival.

Wolves, Birmingham, Villa and Albion have all been in the bottom six for much of the campaign.

But the Baggies have taken 12 points from their last six games to move seven points clear of the relegation places, while Villa's win over Newcastle has lifted them five points away from the drop zone.

McCarthy, whose side lie in 19th position, said: "I think the wins of Villa and Albion at the weekend put both of them virtually safe. Albion are on 39 points and it would have to be a hell of a turnaround for them not to stay up now."

McCarthy has his fingers crossed other results go in Wolves favour this weekend when his side are not in action.

He said: "The problem is if we go bottom by virtue of not playing. That can have an effect. But it would suit me fine if Wigan and Blackpool both got a point on Saturday because I think we can overhaul them."