CHAMPIONSHIP
WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers winger Matt Jarvis has forced himself back in to the reckoning with manager Mick McCarthy after 73 minutes of a reserve practice match at the Compton training ground.
Wolves lost 2-1 to Sunderland but Jarvis, who should have had a penalty, felt no ill effects from the hamstring injury which has kept him out for 11 games.
Jarvis returned for half-an-hour at QPR and figured for a few minutes at the end of the wins against Derby and Barnsley but the former Gillingham player showed he was nearing match fitness as he took some hard treatment from Sunderland.
He said: “I felt good – it was a 70-minute run-out and I enjoyed it.
“I had a word with the ref at half-time because it was a blatant penalty not given, but he said ‘you don’t need a penalty!’
“But the hamstring feels good. I want to get as many minutes as I can, but I’m just waiting for a chance.
“I’m ready and waiting if called upon. We’ve been winning and playing well so I’ve just got to be patient and wait for my chance.”
McCarthy said he will not rush his players back into action too soon and Jarvis said: “Right from the start, the gaffer has said I’ve got to be 100 per cent when I come back.
“I’ve worked really hard with the physios and not been rushed – I’ve pushed on every week and it’s got me where I am now which is fully fit and raring to go.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy is delighted to have tied 22-year-old keeper Carl Ikeme to the club until 2012.
The former academy star’s current deal runs out in 18 months’ time and McCarthy is delighted to see Ikeme and Wayne Hennessey battle for the number one spot.
The manager said: “He’s done really well so I’m thrilled that he’s agreed his contract. He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s given Wayne Hennessey a lot to think about.”
