Wolves striker Kevin Doyle ruled out of Ireland games through injury
Wolves today played down fears that Kevin Doyle needs an Achilles operation – but the Molineux captain will miss the Republic of Ireland's end-of-season games.
The 29-year-old striker is currently having treatment on an ankle injury and has been ruled out of three friendlies and a World Cup qualifier. A report yesterday suggested the £6.5m forward, who ended the relegation season as skipper, needs surgery.
But Wolves officials and sources close to the former Reading man have played down the possibility of the player going under the knife.
Doyle, however, will miss a first Wembley appearance for the prestigious game against England on May 29 and another friendly with Georgia on June 2 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
He is also set to be absent when the Republic face the Faroe Islands in a qualifier in Dublin on June 7 and a glamour clash against world and European champions Spain in New York on June 11.
Doyle's poor form at the time and the ongoing struggles of Wolves saw him lose his place in the squad as Ireland drew with Sweden and Austria in March, although he was drafted in for the latter game when former Wolves striker Robbie Keane withdrew injured.
Ironically, Doyle's recovery in form which coincided with him being awarded the captain's armband saw him match his nine-goal best haul for Wolves this season.
But he was unable to prevent a second successive relegation which has dumped Wolves in League One.
Doyle seems certain to leave, with long-term admirers Celtic keen to take him permanently after Wolves turned down an 11th hour loan bid from the Hoops in January.
Doyle is said to still be devastated at the 'double dip' which saw Wolves become the first English club to twice fall from the top to the third tiers.
Meanwhile, Kenny Jackett remains high in Wolves' thoughts after initial talks on filling the vacant head coach's post yesterday.
Jackett is one of several contenders along with Steve McClaren and Owen Coyle, among others.
But the club are taking their time to make the right appointment to ensure the mistakes of the last 18 months aren't repeated, and a final decision isn't expected for two weeks.
