Wolves will take a break from their relegation fight tonight when they take on Doncaster in an FA Cup third round replay at Molineux.
But the scrap to stay up is top of the agenda with Wolves, West Brom, Birmingham and Aston Villa all striving to cling onto their top flight status.
McCarthy said: "I'm not so sure the rivalry needs fuelling anymore. The intensity is going to increase because of the importance of staying in the Premier League.
"There are four of us from this area all threatened and might not be in the Premier League next season if we are not careful.
"It is going to make it a little more intense come the end of the season."
Source: PA
Source: PA