Wolves goalkeeper Hennessey earns McCarthy praise

Nov 26 2007 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

MICK McCarthy saluted the performance of Wolves' penalty hero Wayne Hennessey, insisting the 20-year-old has the talent to overcome any lack of experience.

Hennessey was the hero of the hour after a nerveless performance in The Hawthorns cauldron, also making a superb save from Filipe Teixeira before blocking Zoltan Gera's late spot-kick.

"Wayne Rooney wasn't any age when he went to Manchester United and played," said McCarthy. "I just think if you are talented then you can.

"Wayne has grown in stature from when he played against West Brom in the play-offs last season.

"He looked nervy in the first game but he was excellent here. He kept the score down in the second one.

"The penalty he guessed right and saved but the best save was from Teixeira.

"I think his back four deserve a pat on the back as well because other than that I don't think he has been making that many saves. But he certainly made two vital ones."

McCarthy also believes Hennessey's development is partly due to the work of his deputy, the more experienced Graham Stack.

He added: "Stacky is a real bubbly character who has helped Wayne in terms of his character - he has grown and blossomed and matured and he is a far better keeper for it."