Wolves boss all set to ring Cup changes

Mick McCarthy could be Wolves' tinkerman again as he looks set to unleash several fringe players in tomorrow's FA Cup derby against Birmingham.McCarthy is refusing to name any changes for the third round tie having seen his plans hit by frozen pitches.

Wolves trained in the Dome at Aldersley yesterday and had Molineux thawed to practice today.

One player almost certain to miss out is midfielder Dave Edwards, who is struggling with the hamstring strain picked up in the 2-2 draw against Blackpool on Monday. Dave Jones has rang in ill but should be OK.

Wolves, who will be backed by their biggest away following of the season with around 4,000 travelling to St Andrew's, are without the ineligible Michael Mancienne.

That could mean a rare appearance for Jason Shackell, but McCarthy is keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I don't plan to make massive changes but sometimes it's a chance to play some of the others," said McCarthy.

"The problem is you get to this time of the year and someone will go down with an injury, illness or fatigue, so someone has got to play who maybe hasn't played in the real, physical battles that gets you battle-hardened and it takes them a game or two to get going."

Wingers Michael Kightly, who is back from suspension, and Matt Jarvis, who has only started two games since his injury, could start their first game together since September 30.