Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admits his players are "having to learn on their feet" as they battle to come to terms with the Barclays Premier League.

McCarthy feels there are reasons to be increasingly optimistic after his side drew with Everton at Goodison Park and Aston Villa at Molineux in their last two games.

But the former Republic of Ireland boss is acutely aware only a small number of his squad had top-flight experience before the current campaign.

McCarthy, who led his side to promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last term, said: "How many of them had played in the Premier League before this season? Only four I think, so they are having to learn on their feet.

"But I was speaking to the players in the dressing room after the Villa game and I said `we've played ten games and we are getting better'.

"Those performances in the last two games with Everton and Villa showed a bit more nous and solidity about us - and we looked like we could open teams up as well."