Wolves: Mick McCarthy supporting under-fire George Elokobi ahead of Everton clash

Oct 15 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

GEORGE Elokobi’s critics have been urged to cut the full-back some slack.

The defender has come in for a criticism in some quarters during Wolves’ two league defeats to Sunderland and Portsmouth.

But manager Mick McCarthy believes Elokobi is still playing catch-up following a lengthy injury last season.

He said: “Analyse George – he played against a £12 million winger at Manchester United (Nani in the Carling Cup).

“Eighteen months ago he cost £300,000, or whatever it was, from Colchester.

“He came in and was doing remarkably well, he really looked the part.

“Then he had eight months off with a cruciate ligament injury.

“He was back-up to competing with Matt Hill and Stephen Ward.

“Then Wardy got a bad injury which put him out for three months, George came back into the team and did well and then perhaps I asked a bit much of him having come back from eight months out expecting him to play week-in, week-out.

“But he’s had a spring in his step this week. He’s had a bit of a rest and looks fine.”

Elokobi looks set to keep his place at Goodison Park this weekend.

“I have no qualms at all in picking him for Everton” stressed McCarthy.