Kevin Doyle may never get to add to his 14 international goals after missing the cut for this summer’s tournament.
Even when he was selected to start against Switzerland, in March, it felt like Doyle would have to do something special to force his way into Martin O’Neill’s plans.
As it stood, Doyle was stretchered off during that friendly and rehabbed from a nasty gash to his shin. Eight weeks out was the initial prognosis but Doyle made it back in four.
He came off the bench for Colorado Rapids and scored a late goal in their 3-1 win over Seattle Sounders. Six full games followed, as did a goal and an assist.
Doyle had not given up on his Euro 2016 dreams yet.
He was named in Martin O’Neill’s extended squad for the friendlies against The Netherlands and Belarus. With all strikers reporting fit and ready for duty, last week, O’Neill opted to keep the Wexford man on stand-by.
team day hiking up the rockies @ColoradoRapids would've preferred a day out in turners cross though😉 @FAIreland pic.twitter.com/zJgDlBgeYn
— Kevin Doyle (@KevinDoyle1983) May 31, 2016
Robbie Keane strained his calf on Saturday but has convinced management – along with medical staff estimations – that he will be fit for the start of the championships. Doyle missed out.
The 32-year-old bears no ill will, however, and took to Twitter as soon as the squad was announced to wish them all the best. He also made reference to another Irish stalwart:
Best wishes to everyone in the @FAIreland squad,going to enjoy watchin the games from afar with our euro'12 top scorer…. @seanstledger12
— Kevin Doyle (@KevinDoyle1983) May 31, 2016
62 senior international caps, 14 goals and a hell of a lot of good memories.
