Confident Doyle aiming for the top

KEVIN DOYLE is hoping his move to Reading can be a springboard to international honours with the Republic of Ireland.

The highly-rated 21-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Reading following his move from eircom Premier Division leaders Cork City.

Doyle, who cost around €117,000 has already proved a hit at Under-21 level bagging four goals in 10 international appearances.

“In Ireland if you’re doing okay the question people always ask is ‘When are you going to England?’ or ‘are any English clubs interested in you?’ Coming to this country is the next step for me.

“I definitely want to play for the Republic of Ireland and I have a great opportunity to go and do that, having signed for Reading. But first I have to get in the Reading team and that isn’t going to be easy.

“English football is going to be physically stronger and quicker and there will be more pressure with more people watching, but I have confidence in my ability.

“I have scored goals in Europe against Nantes and NEC Nijmegen and for the Under-21s. And there was a lot of pressure on me in my last game for Cork, but I played well and scored two.”

Doyle was Cork’s top scorer last season with 13, while his brace in his farewell on Monday night took him to seven goals in 12 matches this term.

Reading beat off competition from Championship rivals Burnley and Stoke City for Doyle’s signature.

The Wexford-born hotshot said: “I was a striker when I was younger, but I was used on the wing at Cork for a year and a half because there were so many strikers. I only moved up front last season with 13 games to go and I’ve not really looked back.

“We’re mid-season in Ireland and I have played 11 games already this season so I’m in pretty good shape and I can’t wait to get going.”