Wanderers go into tomorrow's match against Blackpool at the foot of the Barclays Premier League table - a position many expected the Tangerines to occupy at the end of the season.

Instead they go into the game in 12th, seven points clear of the drop zone having spent only modestly since their surprise promotion to the top tier.

McCarthy believes the job Ian Holloway has done in making that happen is one worthy of recognition come the end of the campaign.

"I would say Ian is already a contender for the award," said McCarthy.

"Blackpool have been a breath of fresh air and had a terrific result the other evening [a 3-1 win over Tottenham].

"I can't imagine he will alter the way Blackpool have played all season when they face us.

"They have been terrific but they also work hard and get back and defend. It is unlikely to be a 0-0. It was very open against Spurs."

Holloway, meanwhile, is hoping the win over Tottenham, coupled with a draw against Aston Villa before that can propel his team to a strong end of season following five defeats in a row before that.

"There is more confidence in everybody," said Holloway. "We can actually look at things now with a fresh viewpoint - that we can get a point at home, that we can get three points at home, and it doesn't matter who it is against.

"Hopefully that will set us off on another decent run, because we need one.

"It has been a monumental season, we are all enjoying it and it is Wolves away now.

"I think we'll go there relaxed and free."

Third-bottom Wigan are in action against table-topping Manchester United and will be unveiling a newly relaid pitch.

The previous surface was in a poor condition and the club moved to replace it mid-season for the second year in a row.

Boss Roberto Martinez said: "It is in very good condition. The work the ground staff have done is sensational.

"In a football club like ours everyone plays a little part towards the result and I hope everyone can get the rewards tomorrow evening.

"You don't want to go into a game where the players cannot express themselves and cannot play the game they want to play or we want to play.''

Elsewhere, Bolton visit Newcastle, with manager Owen Coyle hopeful of another headline-stealing display from on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge.

Sturridge has been an inspiration since joining Bolton on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, scoring a goal in each of his three appearances.

"He's not surprised me," said Coyle.

"That's why I brought him to the football club. I'm not sitting here trying to be smug, but it didn't surprise me as to how well Jack Wilshere did here when we had him on loan from Arsenal because of the belief I had in him as a player.

"I would say it's been all about giving these lads a platform to go and show their quality, and Daniel is now showing that."