Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy has responded to the string of central defensive errors that have plagued his team's faltering start to the season by bringing back Jody Craddock on loan from Stoke City.

Popular former skipper Craddock has become something of a 'cause celebre' for Wolves supporters this season in the wake of costly blunders by captain Gary Breen, Neill Collins and summer signing Darren Ward.

Having not been due to return from his 90-day loan at Stoke until November 10, McCarthy has invoked the 24-hour recall clause following Tuesday night's 1-0 home defeat to Hull City.

With doubts about Breen's fitness having dogged Wolves all season, and following McCarthy's recent assertion that he would not bring Craddock back from the Britannia Stadium unless he is going to be involved, it is expected that he will go straight into the team for Saturday's home date with Norwich City.

"The gaffer called me this morning and said he wanted me to come back," said Craddock. "And I'm pleased to be coming.

"Obviously I've been keeping track of what's been going on at Molineux. and I've enjoyed my time at Stoke. It's given me the chance to be playing at first team level and it means I won't be coming back to Wolves rusty.

"But Wolves are my club, I've been here for five years and I'll be pleased to come back and do what I can to help the team."

The second clumsy penalty conceded this season by Collins at Molineux on Tuesday night (he was also responsible for the blunder that allowed Watford back into the game on the opening day) came in the wake of the crucial spot-kick that cost McCarthy's men against Sheffield United on Saturday, turning a 1-0 lead into what became a 3-1 defeat at Bramall Lane.

That one was harsh on Breen, as he had been fouled first in the build-up by Blades striker James Beattie. But he was still knocked off the ball with worrying ease for the liking of two former centre-halves like McCarthy and his No 2 Ian Evans.

And, having resisted any inclination to moan about that one, the Wolves boss took Tuesday night's decision with equal good grace.

"I have no beef with the penalty," said McCarthy. "Maybe he was looking for it but he got it so fair play to him, although I maybe do have a beef with the challenge on Darren Ward before."

It effectively means that, every time Wolves have conceded a penalty this season, they have gone on to lose.

"The only sure thing is that, if we stop giving penalties away, we'll have a better chance of winning football matches," said McCarthy. "With them in front it becomes even more difficult and we all get a bit nervy. But we've just got to stick together after two defeats on the bounce.

"Of those two defeats, the first was a good performance and the second not really acceptable. But it's a matter of regrouping, having faith in each other and not looking for anything else."

Given his huge popularity rating at Molineux, it was astonishing to hear a McCarthy side being booed by the home fans. But the Wolves boss is big enough to take it on his chin.

"Frustration is felt by all of us, me, the players and supporters and I fully understand it," said McCarthy. "We all need to look at our performances including me. But I understand the fans' reaction to the performance because it was poor. It wasn't good enough."