Doyle has high hopes for Wexford

Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle believes his good friend Mick Wallace could steer Wexford Youths into the top flight of the eircom League of Ireland within three years if he continues his current rate of progress at the club.

The league's new boys have been no pushovers in their debut season and have registered victories over promotion hopefuls Cobh Ramblers and Finn Harps and are five points clear of bottom club Kilkenny City with just seven games remaining.

Speaking at this week's launch of EA Sports' FIFA 08, the Reading frontman acknowledged that the club has found it difficult this year, but he believes the club is well positioned to establish itself in the years ahead.

The 24-year-old said: 'In the short-term it's going to be difficult for the club, but in the long-term things look promising. I saw them play during the summer and results have started to pick up recently. Most, if not all, of the lads are from Wexford where there's a small bunch to pick from. They've done very well for their first season, they've got great facilities and a great manager, it's just a case of learning and developing and I think slowly but surely they'll become a very good side. I wouldn't bet against them being promoted in the next three years.' 

The Wexford native also believes Wallace is the ideal man to steer the club into the top flight. He revealed: 'Mick was my manager when I was younger and I still talk to him every couple of weeks now. He's a great man, loves football and is very knowledgeable about the game and he's going to continue to invest in the club. All he thinks about is Wexford soccer, maybe a bit of Italian soccer too, but mainly Wexford and he will do everything possible to make them as good as he can.'

Speaking about the EA Sports game, Doyle revealed several members of the Irish team enjoy a game to alleviate boredom when away on international duty.

He admitted: 'When we go away with Ireland we've a lot of time to ourselves in hotels so we usually set up a Playstation and play four players against each other. It's a good laugh and keeps our minds occupied for a few hours. Stephen Hunt and John O'Shea would be among the best of the Irish boys, I'm ok but not great.'

Kevin Doyle was in conversation with Shane Murray.

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