Mick McCarthy not relishing Steven Gerrard return

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy has said that he is "not delighted" that Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is fit to face his side this weekend.

The midfielder made his return to action against Brighton on Wednesday night following six months out with a groin injury.

Asked if he was looking forward to Gerrard's inclusion, McCarthy joked: "Delighted. Bring [Graeme] Souness and all them back, see if Kenny and Rushy can come back. I'm delighted that they get all their best players back.

"I'm thrilled that the cup competition meant that Charlie Adam and Martin Skrtel can play. It's great, isn't it? I'm delighted for them. I don't want to go there and win, I want to let them play and have all their good players in the team. It's great.

"From that you can probably deduce that I'm not delighted that he's back. For him I am, because I like Steven Gerrard - he's a top player and top professional. But I don't want to play against him. I don't want him making it harder for me. No thanks."

Wolves are currently in tenth place in the Premier League, while Liverpool occupy eighth.