Seyi Olofinjana bound for the African Nations Cup

Olofinjana will be away with Nigeria for most of January and could miss as many as eight of the club's matches.

"The African Nations Cup is coming up and I do think players think about it," McCarthy told the Wolves website.

"He has admitted that he hasn't been at his best recently and he is a player that sets high standards for himself."

Seyi Olofinjana, Aged 27 Signed for �1.7million from Brann Bergen, July 2004 118 (12) Wolves appearances, 16 goals

Wolves have another five games before Olofinjana goes away and McCarthy hopes he will produce what he is capable of.

"He's allowed the odd bad one but when you add that to the loss of Jody Craddock and Michael Kightly, it doesn't do you any favours."

"The last 30 minutes on Saturday was the best Seyi's played for the last few games," McCarthy added.

Olofinjana has been selected to attend a Nigerian training camp on 4 January, prior to the start of the three-week tournament on 20 January.