McCarthy goes easy on Eastwood

Oct 8 2007 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

MICK McCarthy exonerated Wolves' talking point Freddy Eastwood from any blame for a quiet 45 minutes against Coventry.

Eastwood replaced the injured Stephen Ward at half time of Saturday's win, but was rarely involved thanks to receiving very little service.

McCarthy's scant use of Eastwood in recent weeks has provoked plenty of discussion - with Wales boss John Toshack even sticking his nose in - but having pilloried his striker's display from the bench at Leicester on this occasion the Wolves boss was more forgiving.

"I don't think we played well as a team, and for someone coming on into that situation at half time it's difficult," said McCarthy. "We weren't firing, and in terms of attacking I don't think there was any great service where you could say Freddy did anything wrong.

"He was up against two 6ft 5in centre halves in there, and let me tell you if I was playing and Freddy Eastwood was coming into the box to try and head the ball he'd be getting short shrift.

"It's not particularly his strength in any case, he's got other qualities, so I'm certainly not disappointed with him.

"The other lads have been playing well, that's what kept him out."

McCarthy, who bit his lip when informed of Toshack's ill-advised comments about his use of Eastwood, could not resist one dig ahead of Wales' internationals.

"I suppose Freddy will now go off and be rampaging for Wales and scoring all the goals - after all, he's Tosh's favourite player."