The strength in depth of Wolverhampton Wanderers' playing squad is proving crucial to their promotion challenge as the Coca-Cola Championship leaders continue to churn out win after win even without some of their star performers.

Saturday's 2-0 home victory over Barnsley was achieved despite having leading scorer Chris Iwelumo unavailable and flying winger Matt Jarvis, who missed both October and November through injury, making only a late substitute appearance.

Manager Mick McCarthy has been fortunate that his replacements for first team regulars have almost invariable stepped in and done a good job, as was the case with striker Andy Keogh who deputised for Iwelumo on Saturday.

It was Republic of Ireland international Keogh's 22nd League appearance of the season though only his ninth start; but the former Scunthorpe United player - who began his career at Leeds United - is willing to play a bit part if necessary.

"We have a squad of players capable of adapting to different situations," said Keogh. "The gaffer has made great decisions already this season and I am sure he will carry on using everyone accordingly.

"The fans know that I always give my all and I will never stop doing that. I think I have contributed and the gaffer knows what he gets from me. He knows what is available from me whenever I am needed."

"So I will keep plugging away and the main thing is that we are top of the League even though people around us are still winning. Every team will be gunning for us, but we are ready to take it because we want to keep our lead."

Wolves' latest victory, their 10th in 12 Championship outings at Molineux, came from not the most convincing of displays but it did stretch their lead at the top of the table to six points - and they are 17 points clear of the teams immediately below the Play-Off places.

Reflecting on the game and Wolves situation just before the season reaches the half-way stage, 22 year-old Keogh said: "It wasn't the best game, but we got the result with a great team effort and we are turning Molineux into a fortress.

"We are the league leaders and people are going to come here and up their game. But 10 home wins out of 12 and only one defeat, against a very good Reading team when we were under strength, is great form - things are going brilliantly for us."

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