Mick tips Marcus for World Cup spot

Mick McCarthy believes veteran Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann can gatecrash the United States World Cup squad if he maintains his current form.

McCarthy decided to recall the experienced Hahnemann two months ago to replace Wayne Hennessey.

And the 37-year-old has responded with a series of fine performances and was voted man of the match by Wolves fans during Saturday's 2-0 home reversal by Wigan.

Everton's Tim Howard and Aston Villa number two Brad Guzan are currently in pole position to be the USA's first and second choice keepers in South Africa.

But McCarthy feels Hahnemann, who was part of the 2006 squad in Germany, can push them all the way.

McCarthy said: "If Marcus is playing in my team then he's giving himself a chance for the World Cup because, whatever else goes on with him, he really has been excellent.

"He's playing in the Premier League and, if he continues to do so, it would be great for him to be selected.

"Marcus also isn't one of those who will retire. Someone will have to tell him.

"I admire him for that and if he gets in the squad, then great, but he's up against some good goalkeepers."

McCarthy's key priority during January is to sign a striker with Wolves having netted only 17 times in 21 league games.

He is now being linked with a move for Stoke's James Beattie.

But McCarthy insists he will be reasonably content with his current batch of forwards if he cannot attract new blood.

He said: "We've got Chris Iwelumo back from injury and Sam Vokes from a loan spell at Leeds and, with Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, I've got four strikers.

"Stefan Maierhofer won't be too long coming back from injury. Andy Keogh will be a bit longer so I'm alright for strikers but if we get someone, and we're looking for someone, then fine.

"If we don't, then I'll be happy with what we've got."

He did alright with Reading and he's been ok but Howard will probably always be first choice, though Hahneman wouldn't be a bad 2nd choice or 3rd with Friedel in 2nd.