Soccer:Wolves manager Mick McCarthy hopes his team will benefit from the feel-good factor generated by his trio of Republic of Ireland players having qualified for Euro 2012, starting with tomorrow's clash at Everton.
Former Republic boss McCarthy was at the Aviva stadium on Tuesday to witness Kevin Doyle, Stephen Ward and Stephen Hunt play their parts in completing a 5-1 aggregate play-off win over Estonia with a 1-1 draw.
He believes they will all benefit from competing at a major tournament but in the short term wants them to play their part for Wolves in building on the 3-1 win over Wigan almost a fortnight ago, their first victory in nine games.
McCarthy said: “It is a huge, huge day for Doyley, Wardy and Hunty, all the players and the country. It was brilliant to see them qualify and it will benefit all of them as players.
“All the top teams are there. There are no mugs there at all, so you’ve got to perform. It’s tournament football as well. I think in terms of your development, education and experience, playing in a major tournament is invaluable.
“I know, having been there. I went in 1988 to the European Championships and played against England, Holland and Russia - a real high level of football. But they know they’ve got to come back to work and earn a living in the Premier League and I hope the feel-good factor filters down to Wolves.”
McCarthy can see a vast improvement in Ward, who has been one of Wolves’ most consistent performers this season.
He said: “I honestly believe Wardy is a far better player now, having had some international football. He has stepped up another level. He has improved his all-round game, his confidence, everything.
“I’ve had loads like him of that ilk that have come from lower levels and made themselves better players but he is as good as anyone I have worked with of that kind of player.
“His ability, his attitude, the way he has gone about it, is spot on. He has not always been flavour of the month here but he has won them (the fans) over.”
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