Pompey boss: Eoin Doyle has massive part to play

EOIN DOYLE still has a '˜massive' part to play in Pompey's promotion push.
Eoin Doyle missed the chance to score from the penalty spot against Crawley. Picture: Joe PeplerEoin Doyle missed the chance to score from the penalty spot against Crawley. Picture: Joe Pepler
Eoin Doyle missed the chance to score from the penalty spot against Crawley. Picture: Joe Pepler

That is the verdict of Paul Cook after the striker’s latest blank at Crawley.

The Blues triumphed 2-0 to break into the automatic promotion spots for the first time since September.

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However, Doyle continues to struggle in front of goal, despite his excellent work-rate.

The loanee had the opportunity to register his second goal for Pompey after Enda Stevens won a second-half penalty at the Broadfield Stadium.

However, his 53rd-minute spot-kick was comfortably saved by keeper Glenn Morris.

It means Doyle has now scored once in eight appearances since his transfer deadline day arrival from Preston.

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But Cook retains faith in a player he has now managed at three different clubs.

He said: ‘Eoin Doyle is one of my favourite players that I like, he’ll be devastated about Crawley.

‘He had a great chance and a penalty, Eoin feels it, he works dead hard, I enjoy Eoin and he has a massive part to play for us.

‘He will never let anyone down, he is such a good lad.’

Michael Smith moved on loan to Northampton for regular first-team football following Doyle’s arrival.

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He has since scored once in eight appearances – precisely the same amount as the man who effectively replaced him at Fratton Park.

Smith opened his Cobblers account in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Charlton in League One.

Meanwhile, Doyle’s sole strike came in last month’s 2-0 victory over Blackpool at Fratton Park.

The Irishman has also netted three times in 15 appearances for parent club Preston this season.

– NEIL ALLEN