McCarthy won promotion to the Premier League as Sunderland manager in

2005 but did not last the season and was sacked in March 2006.

He was given just £6million to spend on new players - a far cry from the

multi-millions current Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been able to

invest in his squad.

But McCarthy is not a man to look back and he is just focused on the job

in hand at Molineux.

He said: "I am delighted with what we are doing here, how we are doing

it and the opportunities that I have got.

"It is all about timing.If we want to start wishing my life back then I

wish I was still fit enough to play for Manchester City.

"If I had one wish it would not be to go back to Sunderland with all the money, it would be to be able to play at Manchester City now, to be in that team and be at the top of the Premier League and earning £100,000 a week.

"Make no mistake I would be. That is what my wish would be. I don't wish my life back, but if I had one and I could go back it wouldn't be back to Sunderland with £60m to spend.

"It would be back to Manchester City and three of four million a year of

my own in my pocket."

Despite the fact he lost his job at the Stadium of Light, McCarthy still has fond memories of his time at the club and hopes for a good reception - but not from the fans if Wolves are winning.

The former Republic of Ireland manager added: "When I was there ultimately, results weren't good enough. But I left on great terms.

"I have a great relationship with everyone there and I get a good

reception going back there.

"But fans want their team to win and I am sure that if we are winning they will give me some grief. That is just the way it is."

McCarthy, who is in the unique position of seeking his first Premier

League win at Sunderland having failed to win a top-flight game there when he was in charge, has targeted Darren Bent as the danger man his team have to stop.

Bent has made a sparkling start to his career in the North East following

his £15million move from Tottenham and McCarthy said: "Darren Bent is a good player, he is a very good striker and he works the defenders by his movement and his pace.

"He is good in the air and to be honest he seems to be in a bit of form

at the moment.

"Steve has brought him, he is playing well and regularly and that gives you confidence."

McCarthy plans changes to the Wolves side that started the 1-0 Carling Cup defeat at Manchester United on Wednesday.

Strikers Andy Keogh and Kevin Doyle, midfielder Dave Edwards and right-back Greg Halford will all return.