Mick revels in Wolves fightback

Kieran Richardson looked to have given the perfect tonic to the watching O'Neill, who will officially take charge as Sunderland boss, with a stunning opener early in the second period. But then Sebastian Larsson saw a contentious penalty saved by Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey before two goals in quick succession from Steven Fletcher helped Wolves gain a vital win. It moved them four points clear of the bottom three in the Premier League with only their second victory in 12 games. When McCarthy was asked if he had any advice for O'Neill, the former Sunderland boss said: "No, I'm just glad I've made his job harder on Monday morning. "I'm thrilled that's he's got a harder job than it looked like for however many minutes here. "Martin is a pal of mine but I didn't want to do him any favours. I don't do advice; I'd take some off him if he wants to give it!" Fletcher has now scored 10 times in his last 15 Premier League appearances for Wolves, and McCarthy said: "When he's been fit, he's been terrific. That's why I signed him. "When he's had injuries, they've been impact injuries, something he can't help. Keep him fit and he's a very good player. "When he's been fit, he's been prolific for us." Replays appeared to show there was minimal - if any - contact from Jody Craddock on Larsson when he went to ground for the penalty. McCarthy said: "Jody insisted he didn't touch him and apparently he didn't. But, if it was a dive, then they got what they deserved and the penalty save certainly was a catalyst. "The game turned on its head with that moment." Blacks Cats caretaker boss Eric Black believes O'Neill will revive Sunderland's fortunes. He said: "Martin will have seen the strengths that we have. I think he knows there are some good things to take forward. But I think he'll also know that there are some problems. I'm sure he'll start on Tuesday trying to rectify those problems." Black felt the penalty save by Hennessey was the pivotal moment of the game. He said: "It's been a disappointing afternoon. If the penalty had gone in, you'd like to think we'd have gone on and won the game. "I thought that was the pivotal moment in the whole of the game. I don't want to blame the person who took it because I think Seb Larsson has been outstanding this season. "But the confidence and energy drained a little bit when it didn't go in and the rest of the game became hard for us. "They scored 40 seconds later and that didn't even give us a chance to galvanise ourselves. That's what happens in football. There are crucial turning points and that was the one today."