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

Jul 5 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Sunday Mercury

“Every time Ireland get to a world cup it’s a success and he got them to a world cup and they only got knocked out on penalties I think by Spain, so he was unlucky.

“Because I’ve played against his teams and stuff over the last few years, it’s not as surreal as it could have been.

“I’ve bumped into him a few times, but the first time I really had a conversation with him was a few weeks ago.

“It was nice. I got on very well with him and it was an easy conversation. So him being here does make it easier coming to a new club.”

Doyle recalls McCarthy as a bruising defender and admits his new manager was exactly the type of opponent he hates coming up against.

But Ireland’s current first choice striker, alongside former Molineux favourite Robbie Keane, expects McCarthy to be calmer in the dressing room.

“He was a big centre-half, I surely wouldn’t want to play against him,” said Doyle.

“I think I would have come off with too many cuts and bruises and elbows and kicks and things.

“He was very good for Ireland, he was the captain and scored as well a good few times.

“It’s exciting coming and playing for him. I’m sure it will be fun working for him.

“I’m sure like all managers he’ll have good days and bad days and he’ll do what he has to do to get the team playing well.”

While Doyle’s decision to sign a four-year-deal at Molineux was heavily influenced by his respect for McCarthy, it was the present target of his affections, girlfriend Jennifer, who convinced him to make the move.

In encouraging Doyle to pursue his own Premier League ambitions with a return to the top flight, Jennifer, an independent career woman rather than a stereotypical WAG, has passed up her own promotion to relocate to the Midlands.

“There were many reasons why it took me four or five weeks to make my mind up and that’s another reason,” said Doyle, who spurned the late advances of other Premier League clubs.

“She’s just been promoted. She’s an industrial designer so she had to tell her boss the other day.

“Maybe there were a couple of clubs that I’d have gone to where she wouldn’t have to have left her job, although I’m not naming names.

“But she’s happy to come and she’s looking forward to it.” he added.