Mick McCarthy relishing relegation battle at Wolves

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy insists he is thriving on the pressure of battling for Barclays Premier League survival ahead of Sunday's vital clash with Blackburn at Molineux.

McCarthy's side - and their opponents - are currently one point above the drop zone as the season reaches its finale.

But either of them could be overhauled by Birmingham, Blackpool and Wigan if results go against them.

McCarthy said: "Am I enjoying it? I am enjoying it all. What is the alternative - go and play golf?

"It is an absolutely fabulous job despite all the pressures and attention I get.

"I don't want to do anything else - I love it.

"If you want to be successful at whatever you do then there are going to be days that put you under a lot of pressure."

McCarthy is adamant he has no problems with the side Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will select for the home clash with Blackpool.

Ferguson has indicated he will not be fielding his strongest line-up ahead of the Champions League final with Barcelona.

McCarthy said: "It doesn't interest me. I maintain that we are entitled to pick the team we should pick.

"I trust Sir Alex and his integrity and winning mentality to do the right thing. I haven't got a problem."

McCarthy believes it helps Wolves' cause they will be facing a side in Rovers who will also have something to play for.

He said: "It probably helps that it makes them as nervous as we will be.

"I am never quite sure whether it is a good thing or a bad thing when you go into a game against a team that is relaxed and nothing to lose.

"Does it take the edge off their performance or does it give them an ability to relax with a bit of gay abandon.

"I'm not sure which is the help but we both need points and, if either of us win the game, it's job done."

McCarthy has defended his decision to recently axe England winger Matt Jarvis from his starting line-up.

McCarthy said: "He came on against Sunderland last weekend as a substitute and he was brilliant. I think he has handled it particularly well.

"I have never played in a team yet when one player has the divine right to play in every game, never has a bad game and never gets left out.

"I think Wayne Rooney gets left out from time to time.

"I seem to think Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres get left out from time to time so why is it that Matt Jarvis has a divine right to play in this team along with anyone else? They just haven't.

"If I can conjure something else up on Sunday by leaving someone out then I will do my best."

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle is battling to be fit after aggravating his knee problem at the Stadium Of Light.