Wolves skipper Karl Henry has backed manager Mick McCarthy's decision to field a reserve team against Manchester United, even though some of the players were "disappointed" to miss out on playing at Old Trafford.

Henry believes McCarthy had the best interest of the club at heart when he rested players after the strength-sapping win at Tottenham before yesterday's home clash with Burnley.

The move paid off as Wolves registered a 2-0 victory to move out of the Premier League's bottom three and up to 12th position.

They have now taken nine points from their last four games since a woeful showing in the home clash with Birmingham three weeks ago.

Henry said: "It was a hugely important win and we back the gaffer 100% with his decisions.

"A few of the players were disappointed that they weren't playing at Manchester United. But we knew it was a big decision for the gaffer and we realise it was the best one for us and for the club. He wants the club to stay in this division. He's a great manager.

"He's done a great job for the club and I'm glad we got a result for him against Burnley, as well as for everybody else."

Henry added: "I think people will probably argue we're professional footballers and we should deal with it (the fixture list).

"In the Championship, where you play 46 games, we did. But we could play Championship games at less than 100% and still win.

"In this league it just doesn't happen. We have to be 100% every single game and I think the gaffer realised that and recognised we worked our socks off against Tottenham.

"Fair play to him and we repaid him with the win over Burnley."

Wolves record signing and top scorer Kevin Doyle echoed Henry's sentiments and felt the break gave Wolves an extra sharpness against the Clarets.

He said: "There was a lot of pressure on us against Burnley. We had listened to a lot of stuff during the week and we got a lot of frustration out.

"People were saying Burnley have had a great start to the season, and that we had a c**p start, and yet we are level on points with them.

"We could have all played at Old Trafford and still won against Burnley as well but it definitely gives you that edge.

"It justified the manager's decision. We got the three points, we are 12th-13th in the league and I am sure it makes him a happy man."