Folan Did ‘Very Well’

Irish-ace Kevin Doyle was quick to praise new boy Caleb Folan following yesterday’s loss to Poland in Croke Park. The Hull striker made his first start for the Republic in what turned out to be a tough game for the big lad, but Doyle was under no illusions as to how impressive his new strike partner was.

“I think he did very well. It was tough work because he hasn’t played as many games for his club so fitness wise it would have been difficult for him,” said Doyle.

Ex-Cork City boy Kevin Doyle generally plays target man along side Robbie Keane, however with the Liverpool striker out injured, a change of roles was immediately put to use.

“Yea it was the first time we have played together so it was strange but it’s a lot different for me because he takes a lot more of the aerial balls than when I play with Robbie so it’s a different way of playing but I think we did fine,” added Doyle.

In what was their first pairing both men connected well, especially in the first half, and created chances which both men were disappointed not to convert.

“We had some chances; we could have easily been in the game or even won the game. After they scored we were the only team in it in the first half. We had some good chances, some good openings but we just didn’t take them,” said Doyle.

Pics by Gary Fox, www.garyfox.ie