NEWS:WOLVERHAMPTON MANAGER Mick McCarthy has slammed Giovanni Trapattoni's accusations that striker Kevin Doyle was tired and under par when he joined up with the Republic of Ireland squad prior to picking up a knee injury against Macedonia that could sideline him for the rest of the season.
After discussing Doyle’s injury with the media the Ireland manager said: “One of the doubts I had coming into the match having watched Doyle in matches and in training was he was a little tired and not on top of his game. Players who play all the time in England run the risk of getting to June and being empty.”
But McCarthy denied Doyle was anything other than 100 per cent fit and confirmed his €7.6 million striker was not carrying any knocks. The former Ireland captain and manager said: “Doyle was at his peak – he just got injured. He landed and twisted awkwardly. He’d been outstanding for us and went to Ireland full of beans looking forward to the game. There’s absolutely no suggestion that he left here anything other than 100 per cent fit. Clearly I’m disappointed, but I just take the view it’s time for someone else to play. It’s far from ideal, but we’ve got others to come in.”
Wolves will not receive any compensation from the FAI and their chances of staying in the Premier League have been reduced following Doyle’s injury.
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: “We get diddly-squat. Unlike with England and Scotland, the Republic of Ireland doesn’t offer compensation or insurance for players that get injured. Fifa guidelines do not require them to do so.”
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