KEVIN DOYLE HAS expressed his bitter disappointment at being left out of Ireland squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 29-year-old striker was dropped from the squad to face Sweden and Austria by Giovanni Trapattoni – who instead opted for Derby’s Conor Sammon along with Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Jon Walters and Simon Cox.
An ever-reliable for his country since breaking through in 2005, Doyle has endured a difficult season at struggling Wolves but still has six goals in the Championship, which is one more than Forest frontman Cox.
He also came off the bench to snatch a late winner against Kazakhstan back in September.
The Wexford native was included in the provisional 29-man panel but didn’t make the final cut and was informed of his omission via text message just hours after scoring the winner against Bristol City in relegation six-pointer.
“I was very disappointed to come in after the game to a text message saying I wasn’t to travel to Ireland to join up with the squad,” Doyle told the club’s website.
“I thought I might get a phone call but it wasn’t to be and I haven’t spoken to the manager about it. Maybe he will speak to me about it in the future and for now I just have to get on with it.
I’ve been in squads for seven-and-a-half years and certainly never took it for granted and have always found it a great pleasure and privilege to play for my country.
“I feel I have always given 100 per cent in terms of showing the right attitude and dedication with Ireland in every training session and every match as I do here at Wolves.
“But that’s football – I’m not going to cry about it and just get on with it and hopefully get back in the squad as soon as I can.
“I will carry on doing that and hopefully get another opportunity to do that again in the future.”
