Captain Doyle delighted with win
Kevin Doyle is confident he can maintain his 100% record as Republic of Ireland skipper - because he may never get to wear the armband again.
Wednesday, 09 September 2009
The Wexford-born 25-year-old had the privilege of leading his country in their friendly with World Cup hosts South Africa in Limerick on Tuesday night in the absence of the rested Robbie Keane.
His big night ended on a high note as Liam Lawrence's 37th-minute free-kick clinched a win which, if possible, broadened the smile on his face.
Doyle said: "I could have that 100% cent record for ever!
"To captain the team was a privilege and if I never get to do it again, I will be delighted with that tonight.
"It's a privilege. My family, everyone, when they heard they were absolutely thrilled, so I was just delighted to go out there, and to win as well was nice."
Doyle was one of only three men who started Saturday night's 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory in Cyprus to get the nod again at Thomond Park as manager Giovanni Trapattoni tested the depth of his squad.
Doyle said: "The amount of changes - there were eight changes from the team the other night - it was great that people could come in and we looked reasonably okay.
"All the lads have been involved in the training over the last year and a half now and they know what is expected of them.
"To win two games in a row is nice. The defeat here wasn't nice last month.
He added: "It was only a friendly, but it's not nice to come to the stadium - it's probably the last time we will be here for a long, long time - and it was nice to get that win tonight after being soundly beaten by Australia."
The next time Trapattoni and his players get together, their World Cup hopes will be on the line.
Home games against Group Eight leaders and current champions Italy and Montenegro inside five days next month will decide whether they qualify automatically, head into a play-off or stay at home and watch the tournament on television.
© Press Association