In an exclusive interview with the Evening Leader ahead of tomorrow's first friendly of the season at The Racecourse, Wolves boss McCarthy said: "Brian and Martin are good mates of mine. I've known Brian for years and years and I did my Pro licence with Foyley.

"I suppose that was one good enough reason to come to Wrexham for a friendly but I know that we'll have a good game of football tomorrow.

"Brian and Martin both like to play football and so do we.

"They had a tough job on their hands when they came in last year and inherited a side that was deep in trouble.

"I suppose it was inevitable they went down and that's bad news for a club that has been in the Football League as long as Wrexham have.

"But Brian and Martin are putting things right and they are the right men to try and get you back at the first attempt."

McCarthy's big friendship with the Reds' management team isn't the only link with the Championship club, who are desperate to get back into the Premiership big-time.

"Our chairman Steve Morgan has his own affinity with Wrexham Football club, I know that," added McCarthy, who will also give a first Wolves run-out to his star signing, David Jones, who first played his football in the Wrexham and District Youth League.

"I didn't know he was from Wrexham but I think he's a great signing for Wolves. He loves to play football and he'll get the chance to do that with us.

"But we've got a lot of Welsh lads including Sam Vokes, who has also come in. And let's face it, we're not that far away from Wrexham are we?"

As for McCarthy's memories of playing at Wrexham, he replied: "My memories of playing at Wrexham are vivid.

"As a 31-year-old centre half coming to the end of his career with Millwall, I remember being run ragged by Chris Armstrong in a pre-season friendly.

"I think Millwall signed him later on the strength of his performance against me!"

McCarthy aims to use all of the 22 players he has on duty.

"I want to see them all in action – 11 in the first and 11 in the second," he added. "It's our first game of the season and 45 minutes for each player will be enough.

"I know it will be a competitive game and I'm looking forward to it."

Wales number one Wayne Hennessey won't be risked after picking up a slight ankle injury in training.

"Wayne has rocked his ankle but he'll be alright and will probably be back training on Monday," said McCarthy.

Having run the rule over the majority of his senior squad in a behind-close-doors friendly against Shrewsbury, Reds boss Little admitted it will be more of the same tomorrow.

"We have a plan and it will probably be two 45 minutes if we can, but we have to speak to Wolves to see if it's ok to change the team at half time. I imagine they will do the same," said Little. "The game will be a different type of game from Wednesday mainly because people are watching it but we still have to be strong enough to give everybody 45 minutes.

"The result is not the crucial part of the game at all. In this moment in time it is preparation and if you ask Wolves they will be the same."

New signing Shaun Whalley is set to miss the match through injury.

"Shaun Whalley missed Wednesday with a bit of an ankle injury and he might miss the Wolves match which is a bit of a blow for us because we would have liked to have given him at least 30 minutes like most people have had up to now.

"Conall is also not very well. He has a virus which is not contagious, but he doesn't feel well and there is no point him playing either."

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.