Wolves manager Mick McCarthy today hit back at national boss Giovanni Trapattoni’s suggestion that Kevin Doyle wasn’t fit prior to his Republic of Ireland injury.

The club are furious that they will lose their star striker for up to two months after he tore medial ligaments in his left knee on international duty over the weekend.

And the manager’s mood has darkened further after Trapattoni claimed he thought Doyle was not fit enough going into their game with Macedonia.

Trapattoni 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 today denied that Doyle was carrying any knock before the international break.

The former Ireland boss 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 that it’s time for someone else to play.

“It’s far from ideal but we’ve got others to come in.”

In addition, Wolves won’t receive a penny of compensation from the Football Association of Ireland, while the club do not routinely insure players.

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.”

But Moxey insisted they bore no hard feelings over Doyle’s injury.

He said: “We’re philosophical about it – there are internationals and they have to play.

Now the chief executive has backed Wolves strikers Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher has been backed to fill Doyle’s boots.

The regular substitutes are under pressure to continue Wolves’ four-match unbeaten run.

Moxey said: “As one door closes for one player, another opens Sylvan and Steven are desperate to be playing more regularly.

“Both have scored crucial goals in the Premier League and it gives them an opportunity to take that spot and keep it.”

Ebanks-Blake – 25 today – has matched Doyle’s six league goals, while Fletcher – 24 on Saturday – has seven in all competitions.

But Moxey insisted staff remained hopeful Doyle will play again this term.

He said: “Hopefully Kevin will get back before the end of the season.”