Soccer:Jez Moxey believes Wolves "are just about on schedule" to appoint sacked manager Mick McCarthy's successor in time for Saturday's clash at Newcastle.

Chief executive Moxey confirmed that "second interviews" are to take place with certain candidates - and Steve Bruce is now a clear favourite with the bookmakers.

He impressed when meeting Moxey and Wolves owner Steve Morgan on Friday, but early favourite Alan Curbishley appears to have slipped out of the running after holding talks with Moxey and Morgan on Thursday.

"What I can say is that I think we are about halfway through the process and it is going well," Moxey said. "We have seen some very good candidates and have got some more candidates to see and we've got second interviews. So far I think we are just about on schedule to keep to what we said which was, if at all possible, that we'd like a new manager in before our away game to Newcastle United.

"We can't be absolutely sure that will be the time frame but ideally that is what we want to do."

Moxey, in an interview with Sky Sports News, added: "This job requires a certain type of manager and someone who is going to give us complete commitment and enthusiasm.

"We would only ever appoint somebody who clearly demonstrated to us that they really want the job. It's a big job and an exciting job and I think we'll find the right candidate.

"I hope that our fans understand that this process is continuing and we are still confident in our position in terms of the timing and I am sure we will get a really good candidate."

Lee Clark has become available since being surprisingly sacked as Huddersfield manager.

Moxey said: "We said this was not a job for a novice and I don't want to get drawn on individuals. Lee Clark has clearly done a good job at Huddersfield and we are aware of his sudden availability. It is difficult, though, for us to speak of individuals.

"We have given assurances to everyone to protect confidentiality that we would never break confidences."