Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has thanked former US President George W Bush – for giving him the experience of playing in a World Cup!

Doyle was a virtual unknown back in the Republic of Ireland before Bush decided to send in American troops to invade Iraq in 2003.

Bush’s decision delayed the staging of the FIFA World Youth Cup because of safety fears in the host nation the United Arab Emirates.

And by the time it was considered safe enough to stage the tournament again several months later, the £6.5m record Wolves signing was making a name for himself, took his chance and hasn’t looked back since.

Twenty-eight senior caps later, Doyle goes into tonight’s crucial World Cup play-off second leg against France in Paris thanking Bush for the chance to establish his career.

“But for the Iraqi war delaying the tournament I would never have played in a World Cup,” said the striker.

“My form got me into the squad when it was re-run eight or nine months later. So I can thank George Bush for that!

“I got to experience a World Cup which to me was unbelievable at the time.

“I’d been in an Under-19s squad for a friendly before that but this was my first real taste of competitive action for Ireland.

“It was treated like a proper World Cup as well. We were treated like the senior squad would be.

“Obviously it will be more intense in South Africa but the experience in the UAE would definitely stand me in good stead if we go to the World Cup.”

Doyle believes Ireland can do it tonight, despite the 1-0 deficit, adding: “I just hope we put on a performance because if we do, I’m confident we will win through.

“It will nearly be a relief tonight as it’s 90 minutes and you’ll know either way – or 120 minutes with extra-time. It will be a case of ‘let’s just go and absolutely go for it’.”