Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has urged supporters at Molineux to lay off striker Stephen Elliott or face losing him.The Republic of Ireland international came to Molineux last summer in a £750,000 move from Sunderland, where McCarthy first signed him from Manchester City when he was manager.

His appearance as a replacement for Andy Keogh in the recent match against Sheffield United was greeted with a chorus of disapproval by the home crowd, which did not go unnoticed by McCarthy.

He told the club's official website: "I am not sure it was all aimed at Stephen or a reaction to the fact that Andy was coming off. Maybe the fans were not aware of his chest infection.

"If we are not careful we will be a man down - and a good one. I've seen it happen before but I never thought I would see it here. Not after last season and the support we had even we were 6-0 down to Southampton.

"I sincerely hope he doesn't turn out to be a scapegoat. I have really felt for him. I hope it doesn't continue because it will affect him."

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