Stearman has considerably improved the defensive side of his game to become a first-team regular in the battle for Barclays Premier League survival.
It means Craddock has been confined to the substitute's bench since recovering from injury.
McCarthy said: "Jody is fit but, as much as I would like him in the team, I can't. Richard has been rock-solid.
"We all knew that `Stears' could play, could handle the ball well as a player, but we just had to get him to defend.
"It was a case of defend first and all the other stuff comes with it. He has concentrated on that side of things, has done that side of things far, far better and he has had a very good season."
Source: PA
Source: PA