Wolverhampton record signing Kevin Doyle can’t wait to pull on the gold shirt for the first time when Wolves take on Perth Glory in a pre-season friendly on Friday night.
Speaking after training in Perth on Tuesday, the former Reading striker said he wasn’t feeling the pressure of being the club’s most expensive transfer, reported to be valued at around $13 million Australian dollars.
The 25-year-old Irishman said the big summer moves of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka to Real Madrid made his transfer seem almost insignificant.
But regardless of how much he’s worth, Doyle is determined to be value for money for manager Mick McCarthy as he looks to ensure the newly promoted Championship winners from last season are still in the Premier League this time next year.
“Considering it’s Wolves’ record signing, I suppose there’s a little bit (of pressure) but I don’t mind that, I just get out and play,” Doyle said.
“Compared to some signings this summer, it’s only a grain of sand I think. Some players probably get paid double what my signing was in one season.”
“(But) I’m very happy about it. I’ve just signed for a big club and I’m excited about being back in the Premier League, they’ve shown faith in me … and it’s just nice to be able to come here and be wanted.”
“(So) I’m happy with my decision. Time will tell but I’m pretty confident we’ll do well.”
“I wouldn’t have signed otherwise. I had a chance to go to a team who’s in Europe this year and I came to Wolves instead so I think that shows my confidence,” he said.
Doyle said he was determined to give his second crack at the Premier League a real go, having been part of the Reading side that was demoted in 2007-08 before the Royals just missed out on returning to the top flight, when they lost a playoff to Burnley last May.
“When I went to the premiership, I think we finished eighth with Reading in our first season,” he said.
“The second season we got relegated by two goals in goal difference and last year, well we didn’t throw it away, we were doing very well, but in the second half of the season we were poor.”
“(So) it’s a nice chance for me to come back and sort of do it all over again I think.”
“It won’t be easy for any of us, I think we realise that. A lot of the lads here haven’t played in the Premier League before and they’re all very excited about it, so that’s half the battle, if you can go in hungry and excited about it, you have a good chance.”
Doyle admitted he didn’t know too much about the Glory, despite having played against Mile Sterjovski and Andy Todd in the Premiership and Championship, but said that regardless of the opponent, he’d be thrilled to be starting out his Wolves career.
“It’s a nice kit and I like it,” Doyle said.
“It’ll be a nice feeling going into the dressing room for the first game if I do play in the first pre-season game.”
“I don’t even know what my squad number is yet, probably 29, I’m not sure, but it’ll be nice to pull it on.”
