‘Excited’ Doyle plays down record fee

WOLVES record signing Kevin Doyle cannot wait to pull on a gold shirt for the first time in Friday’s pre-season friendly against Perth Glory.

Doyle joined the Black Country club from Reading late last month for a fee reported to be in the region of £6.75 million (€7.8m) – a figure he admits brings with it additional pressure.

But the Republic of Ireland international was quick to play down the size of the deal when compared to the money-spinning transfers involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, both of whom have joined Real Madrid.

“Considering it’s Wolves’ record signing, I suppose there’s a little bit (of pressure) but I don’t mind that, I just get out and play,” Doyle said.

“Compared to some signings this summer, it’s only a grain of sand. Some players probably get paid double what my signing was in one season.

“(But) I’m very happy about it. I’ve just signed for a big club and I’m excited about being back in the Premier League, they’ve shown faith in me and it’s just nice to be able to come here and be wanted.

“I’m happy with my decision. Time will tell but I’m pretty confident we’ll do well. I wouldn’t have signed otherwise. I had a chance to go to a team who is in Europe this year and I came to Wolves instead so I think that shows my confidence.”

Doyle said he was determined to give his second crack at the Premier League a real go, having been part of the Reading side that was relegated in 2007/8. The Royals almost made an immediate return but lost in the semi-finals of the play-offs to Burnley.

“When I went to the Premiership, I think we finished eighth with Reading in our first season,” he said.

“The second season we got relegated on goal difference and last year, well we didn’t throw it away, we were doing very well, but in the second half of the season we were poor. (So) It’s a nice chance for me to come back and do it all over again.’’