Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Kevin Foley is calling for unity as Wolves bid to reignite their stalled season.

The 23-year-old Irishman said the players can cope with the pressure which has mounted during their recent poor run and they were determined to repay the fans and manager Mick McCarthy for their faith over recent weeks.

Wolves have not won in the Championship since the 1-0 win over Preston North End on December 1 and the supporters have begun to show their frustration as what looked like a promising promotion-chasing season has begun to flounder.

Foley, who joined Wolves in the summer from Luton Town for an undisclosed fee, is hoping the squad can arrest their recent slide down the table after a run of eight league games without a win.

The pressure is mounting on McCarthy following the 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace last Saturday but Foley is backing the former Republic of Ireland international to turn things around.

"We have been on a tough run but our confidence has never drained," he said "We have always believed we are a good side, we just need to pinch a victory from somewhere.

"The fans have been right to feel frustrated because this is a big club and we have a good squad. There should be some expectation. We should feel optimistic about doing well and it is now up to the players to prove why.

"Hopefully, we can start to show the real Wolves. Despite the poor run we have been on, we are not far off the play-off places. This could still be a very successful season and we just have to keep on playing."

Speculation has been rife this season that McCarthy was set to leave Molineux. The South Korean Football Association had been interested in recruiting the Wolves boss and the club has quashed rumours that the Irish FA had wanted to reappoint their former manager. However, Foley has been relieved that the speculation has come to nothing and McCarthy is still in charge.

"He brought me to the club and I certainly didn't want to see him leave," he said. "He has faith in us and we have to show faith in him by performing on the pitch. We have to show the fans we believe in him and everyone at the club must stay strong."

McCarthy is becoming increasingly annoyed by questions about his future and was angered by one particular report that said he had told friends he was interested in a return to the Ireland job. Instead, he emphasised his commitment to Wolves. "I think anyone who knows me knows I wouldn't be telling my friends what I will be doing," he said.

"I don't know where that story has emanated from. I was also getting the sack recently with Sammy Lee lined up to take over and then Paul Ince was getting the job. I am disappointed I haven't been linked with the Newcastle job!

"I think I nailed my colours to the mast six weeks ago and my loyalties are to the club. I have no doubt that is reciprocated by [owner] Steve [Morgan] and [chief executive] Jez [Moxey].

"People shouldn't question what I am doing anyway."

* Wolves have completed the signing of David Edwards from Luton on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The midfielder has joined for an undisclosed fee from the cash-strapped Hatters and is tied to Molineux until the summer of 2010. n Wolves reserves came from behind to take a point from a 1-1 draw in their Pontin's League clash with Coventry City at Nuneaton yesterday.

The Sky Blues went ahead after 11 minutes when goalkeeper Carl Ikeme misjudged a ball lofted into his penalty area, leaving Kevin Kyle with the easiest of chances to score.

Shortly after the interval, Jamie Clapham pulled the Molineux side level after he had cut in from the left and taken a return pass from Liam Hughes before beating Daniel Ireland.