Cup win counts for nothing in league, says Wolves boss McCarthy

Jan 14 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy dismissed suggestions that his side have now got a psychological edge over Blues as “mumbo-jumbo”.

Thoughts of the all-important Championship race were brushed aside at St Andrew’s last night as the West Midlands neighbours briefly turned their attention to the FA Cup.

And during a third-round tie that did not lack passion and determination, Championship leaders Wolves came out on top over a depleted Blues side.

Following the 1-1 league draw at Molineux in November, suggestions had been made that Wolves’ 2-0 victory would have handed the boys from the Black Country a mental advantage in the charge for the top flight.

However, according to Wolves’ straight-talking manager that is just a load of rubbish.

“They (Blues) didn’t seem to have a psychological advantage over us having battered us for an hour apparently at our place. It didn’t look that way did it?” said McCarthy.

“I seem to remember beating Watford 4-0 and then getting slapped 4-1 when we went down there the week after. I don’t believe in all that mumbo-jumbo to be honest because it’s a different game.

“It’s a different day, a different date. They might have different players. We might have different players. We’ll come in April and try to sort it out.”

McCarthy agreed that referee Howard Webb was wrong to not award Blues a penalty in the 44th minute after Richard Stearman’s foul on Marcus Bent and the manager was also left counting his blessings as it would most probably have resulted in his defender being sent off.

But McCarthy was also quick to jump to the defence of his team, who he