Former Irish soccer boss Mick McCarthy can feel totally justified after his Wolverhampton Wanderers defeated Burnley 2-0 in a critical relegation battle on Sunday.

McCarthy had been widely criticized after resting 10 of his best players when his side played Manchester United during the weekend and lost 3-0. McCarthy stated that his team needed the time off because of a recent hectic schedule.

"I'm delighted with the win and nine points out of 12," he said.

"I'm delighted I have players that believe and trust in me to make the right decisions and then perform like that and then perform like that."

Nenad Milijas and Irish international Kevin Doyle scored the goals in the Wolves win which lifted them out of the relegation zone.

"I have to say that there have been one or two dubious characters who have been giving me a bit of stick," added McCarthy.

"They have questioned my honesty and integrity when I think I stand up for all those things.

"Questioning my character, that does (bother me) but questioning the decision, no. I'm not looking for vindication by it, I'm looking for points."

The Premier League has asked McCarthy to explain his team selection for the game at Manchester United.

But McCarthy added: "I have to be able to manage the club, manage the players, maximise my resources, pick teams and be trusted with it by everyone concerned.

"The day I'm not trusted is the day I get out of the door, isn't it? So I have to be allowed to do that.

"We've had nine points out of 12 since the Birmingham game and people who were here when we played Birmingham would never have thought that.

"It is about all the games, not just about today."