Mick McCarthy has defended his decision not to start Nenad Milijas against Blackpool at the weekend.
Wolves boss wanted to rest Serbian versus Blackpool
Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy has defended his decision not to start Nenad Milijas against Blackpool at the weekend.
Milijas had to settle for a place on the bench at Bloomfield Road but was brought on in the first half as Wolves trailed versus the Seasiders.
McCarthy had been looking to rest the Serbia international and Milijas' exclusion was criticised by some.
"Nenad had had four games in 11 days - for Serbia and then for us against Bolton, Arsenal and Manchester United," said McCarthy.
"He'd played Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday and then played an international. We were trying to just give him a little break, although it didn't work out like that."
McCarthy, whose struggling team face Sunderland on Saturday, added "We've played better football that way and beat Man City playing one up front.
"Losing Dave Edwards, Adlene Guedioura and Karl Henry - who certainly makes us a stronger and more mobile midfield - makes it somewhat different. But it doesn't stop us creating chances playing one up front."
