Doyle An Example For All

Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has praised Reading striker Kevin Doyle as a fine example of what can be achieved by any Irish home-grown talent.

Speaking ahead of tonight`s crucial Euro 2008 Qualifier with San Marino, Keane believes his International strike partner has been quick to silence anyone who doubted his ability to make the step up from The Championship to The Premier League.

Following an impressive debut season in which he notched 19 goals for the Royals, Doyle has been equally as productive this term, netting five times to date – the latest coming in the win over Keane`s own club.

‘He was brilliant and he deserved his goal,’ declared Keane regarding Kevin`s display against Spurs.

‘His movement, running off the ball, and work rate for the team were tremendous.

‘His is a great story, to do as well as he has done so far after coming from the league of Ireland. All credit to him.

‘Hopefully it will continue and give other league of Ireland players belief, knowing if they work hard then they can achieve what Kevin has achieved.

‘When he was in The Championship scoring all those goals, people said his second season would be more difficult.

‘But he is proving them wrong. He is not only scoring goals, but he has been a handful for some defenders.’

Doyle has been named in the starting line up for tonight`s game at Lansdowne Road and the 23 year old must fancy his chances of bagging a first goal for his country.

Fellow Royals Stephen Hunt and Shane Long were in action for the ROI ‘B` Team in the 0-0 draw with Scotland last night. Hunt played 50 minutes whilst Long was introduced with a quarter of an hour to go.