One leg Mick to keep Blues at arm's length

He may still be hobbling on one leg, but Mick McCarthy's got his best foot forward, and it's seemingly heading straight in the direction of the Premier League.

And that's why tomorrow's derby clash with Blues is so eagerly anticipated.

Any local derby is eagerly anticipated, but the excitement levels for this game are sky high.

And the reason? Simple: when Wolves started their latest assault on promotion to the Premier League, we all highlighted Blues and Reading as the team to beat.

Well, last time I looked, we're a whopping 12 points clear of third placed Reading, and if we can sustain our fantastic winning run at Molineux tomorrow, the gap between us and Blues will be a mesmerising nine points.

Last time the Blues came calling, the match was an absolute cracker - http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A21986229

Heartbreaking, but a cracker - and the joy of watching Wolves tear Blues apart in the opening 30 minutes of spectacular attacking play will live long in the memory.

We just needed a goal to confirm that opening half superiority, and paid the costliest of prices as Cameron Jerome grabbed a late winner.

Make no mistake - Blues are strong, well-organised, have a top manager and contain some really excellent footballers.

But Wolves are strong, well-organised, have a top manager and contain some really excellent footballers.

And if it counts for anything on these titanic occasions, Wolves could not be more bang in form.

Winning the battle of Bramall Lane on Tuesday night tells you everything. Players like Richard Stearman, Stephen Ward, Neill Collins, Kevin Foley, Michael Kightly, Karl Henry and Chris Iwelumo won't be found wanting when the sleeves need rolling up.

There's no need for a battle cry on behalf of Wolves. They will be ready - and Molineux will be rocking.

It won't be a disaster if Wolves are still on 46 points this time tomorrow. And a massive amount of credit will be due to Blues.

If they manage to beat a Wolves team that's playing like this, with seven successive victories, they will have played fantastically well.

And whatever the outcome, Wolves fans must remain massively proud of what our team has produced for us in the first 19 games of a season that could still end being a monumental one.

Watch Mick McCarthy's pre-match thoughts on BBC Midlands Today here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NNSWd4C0gWQ