Mick McCarthy urges fans asked to lay off Stephen Elliott

Jan 9 2008 By Paul Berry, Birmingham Mail

MICK McCarthy today encouraged Wolves' fans to get behind striker Stephen Elliott after the summer signing became a target for the Molineux boo-boys.

Murmurs of discontent about Elliott reached a crescendo on New Year's Day when fans jeered his arrival for Andy Keogh, albeit directing their anger mainly towards McCarthy rather than the player.

But the incident clearly did Elliott few favours, leaving McCarthy hoping for a more encouraging response for his joint-top striker's next appearance.

"There's no point dressing up what happened when Stephen went on against Sheffield United.

"Whether the crowd were booing my decision to take Keogh off - which was based on a medical issue - or the fact that it wasn't Freddy Eastwood going on I don't know.

"Whether it was aimed towards me or there was an element at Stephen as well - if we're not careful we're going to be a man down. It will affect him and we might lose the strengths of a very good player and that's not right.

"I've seen it happen at other clubs, and was disappointed with the reaction here because after last season I'd never have thought it," he said.

"Whether it was the chance he missed at QPR I'm not sure but he was terrific in that game.

"I don't know if he's been made a scapegoat but I felt for him because he has put a shift in more than most and doesn't deserve that."

McCarthy is keen to stress he is not criticising a fan-base who have given him and the team so much support.

"All the players are doing their best and whatever the reasons were I would hope it doesn't continue because it will affect him."