Doyle ruled out of Bulgaria clash

KEVIN DOYLE was last night ruled out of the Republic of Ireland’s crucial World Cup Group 8 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia next month, after being told he faces between four and six weeks on the sidelines.

The Reading striker underwent a MRI scan on his injured Achilles yesterday and will also miss Reading’s Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Burnley tonight and the final should the Royals beat the Clarets.

Doyle, Ireland’s player of the year, picked up the injury during the first half of Saturday’s first leg and, as revealed in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, immediately became a major doubt for the trip to Sofia on June 6th.

The former Cork City striker, who is Reading’s top goalscorer this season with 18 goals but has scored just once since January 9th, walked to the bench in the second half of Saturday’s play-off with the aid of crutches and a protective boot.

Ireland are currently five points ahead of Bulgaria in Group 8, having played a game more than Stanimir Stoilov’s side.

Defeat in Sofia would be a hammer blow to Ireland’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup finals since 2002 as it would allow their main rivals for second to move to within two points with a game in hand.

Meanwhile temporary Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has admitted his interest in Republic of Ireland U21 international James McCarthy.

However Hart insisted his bid to land the Hamilton teenager is not evidence he is planning for a future as Pompey manager.

Hart claimed he is chasing the 18-year-old midfielder as part of his remit as Pompey academy boss.

McCarthy is attracting interest from clubs across Europe after emerging this season and being named Scottish Young Player of the Year.

Hamilton revealed Pompey had a £500,000 bid for the teenager turned down last week.

Hart acknowledged he is keen on the starlet but stated that is no indication he is to remain as Pompey boss for the long haul.

The 56-year-old said he is not looking beyond seeing through his effort to keep his side in the top flight.

Hart said: “I’m director of the youth academy. He’s a youngish boy so I can get involved in those sort of things.

“But I’m not looking any further than next Monday and the Sunderland game.’’