Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admits they came close to selling two-goal hero Jody Craddock.

Craddock struck twice in their 2-2 draw at Stoke City, where he almost signed after a spell on-loan.

McCarthy said: "Jody nearly left us. We had Gary Breen at the time. He came here to Stoke, Tony did like him but he came back to us and he has just been brilliant.

"He actually nearly went out on loan again last season but stayed with us.

"He wasn't playing but then he got back in, became captain and lifted the Championship trophy. He is resilient.

"It shows experience counts for a lot. It is not all about youthful legs at centre-back. It is important knowing how to defend as well.

"Mind you, I didn't expect him to score two goals as well but he does attack the ball."