Wolves boss Mick McCarthy feels he can cope with the stresses and strains of Premier League management. Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce underwent minor heart surgery on Friday and McCarthy accepts that stress goes with the job, but insists he will not let it affect his health.

"We all know the stakes that we are playing for," said McCarthy ahead of Sunday's derby clash with Birmingham. "But I don't allow it to ruin my life.

"I can't say I am not thinking about it all the time because I am, but I have had a check-up twice a season for the last six or seven years.

"Jobs in general put you under stress. It is how you handle it that matters and whether you let it ruin your life.

"It is whether you keep yourself healthy as well, and I do. That is vital.

"It was stressful at the top of the Championship last season because of the level of expectation that was on us, but it is more stressful where we are now."