Barton launched a a verbal attack on McCarthy and Wolves midfielder Karl Henry in the aftermath of QPR's 3-0 win at Molineux on Saturday. Barton accused Henry of "trying to hurt people" and being a "Sunday League player" and added "don't know what Mick has been smoking" after reports that he had rejected the chance to sign him. McCarthy was quick to defend Henry's reputation but straight-batted questions on Barton's outbursts in his media conference ahead of tomorrow's home Carling Cup clash with Millwall. He said: "I have my opinions but generally I keep them to myself. Opinions are like backsides. We've all got them but it is not always wise to air them in public. "Maybe we could all take a note of that. I hope you all haven't travelled here to speak to me about that (Barton's comments) because you will be disappointed. "I haven't read them and I'm not interested. That is why I don't get involved in it. "You will not get me to start dignifying any of them with a response. "You are so avaricious for tittle tattle from me and, I'm sorry, you've got the wrong person." When asked if the Football Association should take action against Barton, McCarthy said: "I'm actually as disinterested regarding any comments, or discussing any comments, as you could find. "I'm probably the most least interested person." But the Wolves boss was keen to defend Henry's reputation after Barton's outburst. He said: "Karl is one of the best pros I've ever worked with in terms of his attitude and conscientiousness to his profession. "He has earned himself the right to play in the Premier League by his guts and determination and made himself a better player. "I've got nothing but admiration for him and never ever, has he gone out to hurt anyone. "In defence of my player who has been with me for five years, I'd hang my hat on him all long. He is a great guy." "Is he a Sunday morning player? Not unless Wolves are in the Dog and Duck League! He is a Premier League player. "He captained us to the Championship, and has been instrumental in our success over the last five years." McCarthy will be looking for a response from his side against the Lions after a below par performance against QPR. He said: "It was a bad day. We don't have too many. That is the worse we played since at Stoke towards the end of last season and we never really competed there. "It doesn't happen too often, it has not happened too often in my five years here. We are glad we've got a game so soon but we know Millwall will be a tough test."
