Mick McCarthy's fading hopes of leading Wolves into the play-offs for the second successive season were hit by a hammer blow from one of his former players.

Tommy Miller, who played for McCarthy when he was at Sunderland, curled home a stoppagetime free-kick to deny Wolves a vital victory.

Until that moment Wolves, who have a game in hand on their rivals chasing the final play-off berth, were on course to replace Ipswich in seventh place.

Now, with sixthplaced Crystal Palace winning, Wolves are five points adrift of the play-off zone and McCarthy admits his team have a mountain to climb to qualify.

He said: "We've got to win our last three games and see what happens. If at the end we're not good enough, it won't be for lack of effort. I can't ask any more of my players and I'm proud of them."

McCarthy described Miller's equaliser as "a bitter pill to swallow" but sought out the midfielder to congratulate him. He added: "It was a well-taken free-kick and I congratulated him through gritted teeth. I like Tommy and have got a lot of time for him."

But while Miller's strike denied Wolves a vital victory, it was also a case of proving too little too late for the Tractor Boys.

A victory for them was even more imperative than it was for the hosts, but boss Jim Magilton refuses to admit a top-six finish is beyond his team.

He said: "It was a fantastic set-piece and how important it could be might not be known until the last ball is kicked."

Michael Kightly made his first appearance for five months in the second half and his introduction breathed life into Wolves.

He almost celebrated his return with a goal when his goalbound header from Matt Jarvis's cross was deflected over.

Wolves suffered more frustration as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake looked to have broken the deadlock only to see his shot blocked by teammate Neill Collins.

Moments later the frowns became smiles as Ebanks-Blake turned Alex Bruce and thumped the ball past Bywater.

But the Tractor Boys had the last word when Miller left Wayne Hennessey helpless to intervene after Gary Breen had brought down Alan Lee.

Adrian Milledge (Sunday Mirror)