Softly, Softly

Having missed Wolves friendly against Bray Wanderers on Wednesday, the subject of Seyi Olofinjana's future at Molineux has been the subject of some debate.

An integral part of Mick McCarthy's first eleven last season which saw him play some of his finest football in old gold, he was the only midfielder in the travelling party not to play some part in the comfortable 4-0 victory.

Talking to the Birmingham Mail's Paul Berry, McCarthy has explained Seyis absence, saying ''I said to him that we were going to rest him last night (wednesday) because we`ve got to remember he`s got the African Nations Cup in January as well.It will be non-stop for him - he probably needs the break.'

'I remember when I was playing - although I was older at the time than he is now - the season after I`d been at Euro '88 in Germany. I came back, had two weeks off and was flying in pre-season. But by October I was running on empty, so sometimes its important to have that break.'

Where previously there has been talks of extending the 12 months left on Olofinjana's contract, there is now silence, although McCarthy is keen to stress that he would rather retain him for 12 months than try and cash in on the Nigerian International now should no amicable agreement be reached on an extension.

'I think we`re a better side with him and we`ve got a better chance of getting promoted with him in the team.' he said.

And few would disagree.

Having earlier this year publicly stated his desire to stay at Molineux for many years to come, it would be disapointng if the coming season was to be Olofinjana's last at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Could the lure of playing in The Premiership finally prove to be too strong for another of Wolves shining lights?

Not if Mick McCarthy has his way, and surely not if he carries on from last year and helps fire Wolves into the top flight automatically.

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