MICK McCarthy has his fingers-crossed that a healthy league position can help entice new players to Molineux in January.

But he admists that loan deals may be more likely than outright signings and is interested in taking Arsenal teenager Emmanuel Frimpong on that basis.

“We played Arsenal in the reserves and I watched them the other night against Manchester City,” he said.

“January is not the greatest of times to get them but of course we are looking. If it can be done we’ll do it.

“Some players just need to go and play, so you can get a loan player.

“Signing them is difficult, though. They are always more expensive in January.”

Wolves are four points clear of the drop zone following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Sunderland.

Jody Craddock (hamstring) is out of Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford so Roger Johnson returns with McCarthy backing his skipper to deliver.

“Roger has been fabulous but sometimes it doesn’t go for you.