From Rockies to the Rock for Kevin Doyle

After earning 61 caps and scoring 14 goals for his country, Kevin Doyle has exceeded his own expectations but still believes he can contribute to the Irish cause in their time of need.

Martin O’Neill’s reliance on Robbie Keane’s goals has been one of the manager’s recurrent gripes during his 20 months at the helm and the slump in Doyle’s career curve over that period hasn’t helped.

Frozen out at Wolves since Kenny Jackett’s appointment in 2013, not even a loan stint at Crystal Palace last season could stall the Wexford native’s demise in England.