Wolves rap Republic of Ireland over Kevin Doyle
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has defended Kevin Doyle after Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni claimed he played "like somebody in a desert" for his club.
Kevin Doyle's fitness has sparked a row with Wolves boss Mick McCarthy after Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni claimed he played "like somebody in a desert" for his club.
Trapattoni has to decide if the £6.5million forward or Albion hotshot Shane Long will partner LA Galaxy's former Wolves striker Robbie Keane for Friday's vital Euro 2012 clash away to Andorra.
The Italian initially preferred Doyle to Long for last month's qualifier against Slovakia, claiming the Wolves man wasn't fit following the medial ligament damage sustained on international duty last March, even though he has played all seven Premier League games this season.
Doyle, who told friends he was fully fit at the time, only made the starting line-up when the Baggies frontman was ruled out with a calf problem.
Trapattoni said: "He used Doyle because he has only Doyle. He stays alone up front a lot for his club. I see him and he is like somebody in a desert."
Former Ireland boss McCarthy hit back: "Trapattoni says Doyle should be playing for a bigger club and is not fit. Doyle is 100 per cent fit, no question about it – just like he was for their last game."
