Doyle pleased with home win

Striker Kevin Doyle was delighted with the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over Paraguay in Dublin tonight.

Doyle and Liam Lawrence scored in the first-half as Ireland recorded a victory against their World Cup-bound opponents.

“It’s a win, they’re going to the World Cup and we’re not so it’s a good win for us,” Doyle told Sky Sports 1.

“They’re going to be well trained and we beat them pretty convincingly. We looked pretty solid and played well.”

Paraguay pulled a goal back through Lucas Barrios in the second-half and became more of a threat, with Doyle admitting the home side perhaps began to feel the pace.

“It’s been a good few weeks since some of us had a game and maybe it started to show a little,” the Wolves forward added.

“They’re the opposite and they were probably a bit sharper come the end.

“But it was a chance for us to be together again, it was another good performance and a good win. It all will hopefully count when the European Championship qualifiers come round.”

Republic boss Giovanni Trapattoni added: “Before the game I told the players to remember the last three games we played, against France, Italy and Brazil, to remember we are a good team and played at the same level as these teams.

“I think they believed me.”