'Slap' won't hit survival bid.

WOLVES boss Mick McCarthy says the four-goal defeat at Chelsea will not affect their chances of survival.

Eight goals conceded in two games sees them in the bottom two and needing a win against Blues to climb out of the relegation places.

"As ever, I saw enough about them in the way they go about their jobs, they kept going and they have a workrate and spirit within them," McCarthy said of his side's effort.

"It's about the next two games and this result won't knock them."

Wolves face Blues and Bolton at Molineux before tough-looking trips to White Hart Lane and Old Trafford.

"We weren't expected to get anything at Chelsea," said McCarthy. "We came full of hope and tried our best and we were slapped."

Jody Craddock and Karl Henry appeared at fault for the opening goals, but McCarthy was giving few secrets away from the inner sanctum of the dressing room. "I know where the blame lies and I won't be discussing it in public," he said.

"But they will know (who was to blame)."

He added: "I hoped we would have had something better and got something out of the game.

"But the reality was that we were probably expected to still be in the bottom three and to be looking up at the rest.

"But we have to play against Birmingham, Bolton and Burnley. We won't be judged on Saturday's performance, the next game is going to be all-important."

Can Wolves bounce back from a Bridge battering? Send your comments to: Your Shout, Sports Desk, Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, Birmingham B24 9FF. Freephone fax: [phone]. Freephone: 0800 138 2555. Email [e-mail].

CAPTION(S):

Taking the Michael: Karl Henry keeps a firm grip on Chelsea's Michael Essien.