Doyle happy with deserved win

Credit:

Ireland kick started the first of two friendlies at the RDS in Ballsbridge with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Paraguay on Tuesday evening. The first goal came with just seven minutes of play gone, when Wolves striker Kevin Doyle bravely headed home from a couple of yards.

Speaking after the game, the Wexford-native felt that they deserved the victory, and also added that he only picked up mild bruising after a collision with the post following his goal.

“You'd imagine that they would have been a bit sharper and a bit more up for it than we were, but we were very good I think and deserved to win. I just got sandwiched between the post and hit my hip against the post. It's only a bruise and you don't mind getting them knocks if you're going to score”, Doyle remarked.

Doyle also had an assist in the Liam Lawrence's second goal, which capped off a great period of play for the former Cork City star, who feels that these games are important in order to keep momentum going.

“Yeah, it's nice. It was a good 20 minute spell (for me) I suppose. It's good that we got a win because some people will say they (friendly matches) mean nothing, but it's good that we can keep our run going of playing well”.

When asked about the three new debutants on show (Cillian Sheridan, Paul Green and Keith Fahey), Doyle stated that his belief that they have what it takes to make it an international level.

“Yeah, I think so or the manager wouldn't have played them. I think he's reluctant to use a lot of players so anyone he does use, I think he sees them as someone that can come in and be used in the future. So, I think they should take confidence from that”.

There has been a lot of speculation about a possible move to Arsenal for the 26-year-old in recent days, but he is more than happy to stay put at Molineux and is excited about the prospect of Irish team-mate Liam Lawrence joining him for the new season with Mick McCarthy's side.

“Of course I would (like to stay at Wolves), they've been brilliant with me and I've really enjoyed my time there. Until I'm told otherwise, I'm very happy at Wolves. I love playing with Liam, and he's a very nice lad as well. I'm not sure if there's any truth in it, but he'd be a very good signing for us”, concluded Doyle.