Wolves chief McCarthy sings the praises of 'sexy' midfielder Henry

While the punters talk of the strikeforce, those in the game are casting envious glances towards other areas of the Yorkshireman’s team— with Karl Henry believed to be on the radar of potential suitors.

Henry was signed after a pre-season friendly against Aston Villa in summer 2006. 

Skipper Karl Henry (centre) has earned rave reviews for his accomplished displays in the Wolves midfield this season

Cast-off by Stoke City, the midfielder arrived at a time when McCarthy was counting the fit bodies at his disposal.

But Henry has grown in stature to the point where Wolves felt it necessary to tie him to a contract that runs out in three years.

‘We have got players with humility — and Karl is one of those,’said McCarthy.

‘He has received the recognition from me and his team-mates.

‘He’s been exceptional since he came to the club.

'Just by playing games and by being trusted and believed in, he has blossomed.

‘He is the captain. He’s there by merit. He leads by example. He’s not a shouter.

‘He’s consistent.

'Perhaps players like him don’t get the plaudits that the more“sexy” ones do.

‘He was a young lad at Stoke. Tony Pulis spoke very highly of him.

'It was maybe time for a change. It has benefited me, him and the club.’

Championship leaders Wolves could be six points clear of the pack by the time the remainder of Saturday’s matches kick-off as their game against Bristol City has been moved forward to lunchtime on police advice.

Meanwhile, Burnley midfielder Graham Alexander has finally come to terms with leaving Preston as he prepares to face his former club in the Lancashire derby at Turf Moor.

Burnley midfielder Graham Alexander has admitted leaving Preston in the summer was gut-wrenching

Alexander had a eight-year spell at Preston but made the switch to Burnley in summer 2007 after being refused a new two-year deal at Deepdale.

The Scotland international, 36, has since become a key figure for the Clarets but still lives in Preston and admits it wasn’t easy to let go.

‘It took quite a while to get it out of my system that I didn’t play for Preston anymore, probably longer than it should have,’said Alexander.

‘When it first came about I was a bit worried about peopl ein Preston but they have been so good towards me.

‘I have had no bother at all, which was a great relief to me and my family because we enjoy living there and we didn’t want to move.’