Mick McCarthy has hailed the performances of Sylvain Ebanks-Blake who has become the first Wolverhampton Wanderers striker to score 20 goals in a single campaign in three seasons.
Not since Kenny Miller's inspired efforts in 2004-05 have Wolves fielded such a prolific marksman and even though 13 of EbanksBlake's strikes came in the green of Plymouth, the fact he has changed clubs and maintained his scoring ways has pleased McCarthy.
The Wolves manager splashed out £1.5 million for the former Manchester United trainee in the January transfer window since when he has struck seven times in only 13 games, including five in the last five matches.
"Sylvan has done everything that has been asked of him and probably more," McCarthy said. "You never quite know when someone arrives in January but he's been terrific, he really has.
"His all-round play has been very good, he holds it up well and is a good target for us. He's a goalscorer, he gets himself in those areas and stays in and around the 18-yard box.
"He utilises his strength and his pace and is incredibly difficult to knock off the ball and if he has missed and wasted a chance it's only because he's having a pop on target and you don't knock strikers for that especially when they are getting 20 goals a season.
"He's very good at what he does and I don't think anyone would like to play against him because he does have that strength and power and he's one of those who's always looking to turn and get a shot in."
Although some supporters have voiced concern at Ebanks-Blake's weight and seem to favour Freddy Eastwood, McCarthy is as pleased with the 22-year-old's attitude as his goals. "He was really upset the night he scored the two goals against Southampton and we only drew and he's upset when we win and he doesn't score, but only with himself," McCarthy added.
