A goals sacrifice for Kevin Doyle

Kevin Doyle has been declared back to his best as Wolves fans were warned the £6.5million man may have to sacrifice goals for team-work.

Doyle led the line superbly in Saturday's welcome return to winning ways in the 2-1 victory against Manchester City, as Wolves' first success in nine Premier League games lifted them within a point of safety.

But the 27-year-old striker's workload has not been reflected in a net haul yet.

As last season's nine-goal top scorer prepares for what will be his 50th appearance in Wolves' colours in Saturday's clash at Manchester United, Doyle is still to score in league combat this season.

Despite missing only one Premier League game – the opener against Stoke when £7million new club record saigning Steven Fletcher scored in a 2-0 win - his only two club strikes in 2010-11 came in the 4-2 extra-time Carling Cup win against Notts County.

Now manager Mick McCarthy has warned the trend may have to continue, as Wolves strive to be solid as well as regular scorers.

He said: "On Saturday we saw the best of him, he was terrific - that was one of his top performances.

"Kevin doesn't always get the goals because he puts such a shift in and creates things for other people.

"So we all have to accept that he might not be a 15-goal a season centre forward and everybody patting him on the back.

"He might be a eight to 12 goals a season man maybe at best, but with everyone understanding that he's a real fulcrum for us.

"For us to play the way we play, he's been terrific."

McCarthy acknowledged Doyle maybe concerned about his lack of goals.

But as manager of the team, the Wolves boss admitted he is far more concerned about the Republic of Ireland international's overall contribution.

Fletcher, who has scored three goals in all competitions, is currently out of the team after looking out of sorts at times playing in a wide role to Doyle.

But McCarthy insisted the Irishman sets an example others would do well to follow.

He said: "Kevin might not have got a goal yet in the league.

"People start mentioning it and talking about it but that doesn't bother me one iota.

"He does such an unselfish job and his workrate and effort are terrific.

"Not everyone would willingly sacrifice themselves for the team but he does it and he'll get his goals.

"Whoever plays up there has to be as good as that."

Almost as if to reinforce a warning to Fletcher, McCarthy warned Doyle may have to settle for playing the lone role a little longer yet as the manager continues to play one main striker.

The Wolves boss said: "It's a little bit tough for Kev playing up there on his own. But he's played well all season.

"It's been tough and he's had to play with different partners but it also suits him to play up front on his own. He does that job particularly well.

"He'll get his goals - they come in fits and starts, but he'll get them."

Aware of Doyle's anxiety to score however, McCarthy warned the striker – who is just three short of his 200th League appearance since coming to England – not to start snatching at chances.

He said: "Of course he wants to score goals – all strikers do.

"But you just have to be careful not to get desperate for it.

"That's for all forwards – we need to keep playing and passing it as was proved by the first goal on Saturday.

"I think there were one or two mumblings after our 12th pass and I think it went to 16 passes and we scored off the back of it.

"So it's important not to panic and we didn't on Saturday."

Doyle at least can claim an assist for the winning goal scored by David Edwards – after his shot was blocked following Kevin Foley's cross.

Talking of Edwards, McCarthy believes the 24-year-old produced his best performance against City.

He said: "I would say so. It was a terrific performance by Dave – he was excellent and his goal just capped it for him. He got better and better.

"He's learning on the hoof in the Premier League and it's not easy."