Irvine of Preston, Birmingham's McLeish and Bristol City chief Johnson were also in the running for the first gong of the season.

However, it was McCarthy who got the nod as a reward for Wolves' fantastic start to the campaign.

Wolves were held to a 2-2 draw by Plymouth in their opening match but have bounced back with three successive wins to go top of the table.

They have scored nine goals in two matches at Molineux and McCarthy admits he has been delighted with his side's cutting edge.

"Last season we dominated games but didn't win them. We've started scoring goals and that is the most pleasing aspect," McCarthy told Sky Sports News.

"We've had a good start and had some convincing wins.

"We're not getting carried away but it's nice to be top of the league with a two-week break.

"It is difficult to assess the squad. It is a young team but they have got experience as well and they are a little bit wiser than they were last season."