Knockout weekend for Doyle

THE weekend was a story of highs and lows for Kevin Doyle who was last night named Player of the Year at the annual eircom FAI International Awards — just 24 hours after he had been knocked unconscious in Reading’s scoreless draw with Preston.

The Wexford-born striker, the second highest scorer in the Championship this season with 17 goals, has been one of the most consistently impressive Irish players this year, his headed goal against Georgia opening the national team’s World Cup account in the 2-1 victory in Mainz last September.

Last night’s award marked a personal three-in-row for Doyle, following on from his Goal of The Year (against Slovakia) last year and the Young Player Of The Year Award in 2007.