Why playing for Wolves is a dream come true for Kevin Doyle

Jul 5 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Sunday Mercury

WOLVES’ latest Irish idol Kevin Doyle has revealed that he would much rather be playing for childhood hero Mick McCarthy than against him.

Doyle, who arrived at Molineux for a record £6.5 million fee last week, used to worship the former Republic of Ireland captain and manager.

The 25-year-old striker was so ­McCarthy-mad as a young boy in Wexford that he read Big Mick’s autobiography from cover to cover.

Doyle instantly endeared himself to his new boss at his official unveiling by giving the book Captain Fantastic a glowing recommendation.

But the former Reading goal-getter is determined not to get too star-struck about working alongside a legendary figure from his past.

And he is relishing adding more Paddy Power to a squad which already includes compatriots Kevin Foley, Stephen Ward, Andy Keogh and Darren Potter.

“In Ireland he’s a legend after managing Ireland and captaining Ireland and going to World Cups,” said Doyle.

“Any player who played for Ireland when I was younger was a hero of mine, including Mick.

“I’d got all the books and things as any young lad in Ireland probably did back then.

“I read his autobiography when I was about eight or nine after the 1990 and 1994 World Cups and all of the players were legends in Ireland. Anyone who hasn’t read it should do, it’s a good read!”

Doyle added: “I remember working in my parent’s pub in the 2002 World Cup when Mick was Ireland manager. I saw it all from there, so it was exciting times.