ROY Hodgson briefly put aside Albion’s rivalry with Wolves to pay tribute to opposite number Mick McCarthy.

The Wolves boss has come under fire from some quarters in recent weeks following a run of four Premier League defeats in a row.

But Hodgson feels McCarthy has set the standard with Wolves by keeping them in the top flight for three successive seasons.

Hodgson feels his Albion side must strive to match that, knowing that three years in the Premier League would help establish their medium-term future.

“I’ve known him for a long time and followed his career closely,” said the Baggies’ manager. “He’s been in it a long time and people like that I’ve generally come across during my career.