Doyle vows to play on despite tragedy

STEVE COPPELL is confident that Kevin Doyle will be able to compete in Reading’s final two games of the season despite the tragic loss of four members of his family at the weekend.

Coppell broke the news to Doyle that his cousin, her husband and their two children had died in the County Wexford tragedy on Saturday morning. Adamstown-born Doyle won high praise from Coppell, the Reading manager, after choosing to take part in the match and the Republic of Ireland international emerged as one of his side’s better performers before being substituted midway through the second-half.

Coppell revealed he went against Doyle’s family wishes, who had wanted the news kept from the 24-year-old former St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City player until after the game.

Given the circumstances, Reading will allow Doyle, who has scored 36 goals in 111 league appearances during three-years at the club, to miss the final two games of the season at home to mid-table Tottenham Hotspur and away to relegated Derby County.

Yet Doyle is believed to want to feature in both games as the Berkshire club fight against relegation.

“Kevin was obviously upset but, in a way, playing the game took his mind off it,” Coppell said. “His family wanted to keep it from him until after the game, but I thought he should know. He then spoke to them and decided, very bravely, to play.

“You can only imagine what he might have been thinking, but in the circumstances he was terrific.”

Doyle’s decision to take part in Saturday’s high-stakes battle galvanised the Reading dressing room in what was a high-stakes game. Although there was precious little entertainment on show, the draw at least ensured the visitors remain one point ahead of third-from-bottom Birmingham City although Coppell will be aware it is seven hours and 41 minutes since his side last scored.

Defeat for Wigan would have dragged them right back into the mire. As it is Steve Bruce’s side, regardless of their result at Aston Villa next weekend, will secure a fourth season in the top tier if Birmingham fail to win at Fulham on Saturday.

Kevin Kilbane wants Wigan’s safety confirmed before Manchester United visit on the final day of the season.

“We want it settled before then,” he said. “We wouldn't want another nail-biter like last season. We have another opportunity next week. Another win and we're safe.”

WIGAN (4-4-2): Kirkland 6, Melchiot 5 (Taylor 26, 6), Boyce 6, Scharner 6, Kilbane 6, Valencia 7, Brown 8, Palacios 7, Koumas 6, Heskey 6 (King, 73, 4), Bent 5 (Sibierski, 64, 5).

Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Skoko.

READING (4-4-2): Hahnemann 6, Rosenior 6, Ingimarsson 7, Duberry 7, Shrey 6, Doyle 8 (Little 69, 5), Harper 6, Bikey 7, Hunt 6, Lita 6 (Long 85, 3), Kitson 5.

Subs Not Used: Federici, Cisse, Matejovsky.

REFEREE: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire) 7: Atkinson kept his red cards in his pocket yet still endured one of his busiest games of the season as he cautioned six players during a nervy encounter.

MATCH RATING: * A total turn-off as far as entertainment was concerned, perhaps understandably given that there was so much at stake.