Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle gives Peter Fraser the lowdown on his team-mates.
Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle gives Peter Fraser the lowdown on his international team-mates
Ahead of the crucial two-legged World Cup play-off against France,
skysports.com asks Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle to dish the dirt on his international team-mates.
The Wolves forward will be charged with the task of breaking down Les Bleus when they arrive in Dublin on Saturday as Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic aim to earn a vital advantage before Wednesday's return meeting.
Doyle has been training intensely with his team-mates as they bid to secure a sought-after place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa by eliminating the 1998 world champions and so, with a nod to our friends at
Soccer AM, who better to ask for a light-hearted lowdown on the Republic camp?
We recently caught up with the 26-year-old at an event to promote
EA SPORTS FIFA 10 and discovered that Stephen Hunt is apparently a fan of Swedish pop, while Paul McShane has a habit for throwing a hissy fit.
Who is the brain box of the Republic of Ireland squad?
"Kevin Kilbane, closely followed by me. I have to get myself in!"
Who would you not ask for an explanation of quantum physics?
"It's terrible having to say the least intelligent. I think there are a few, I don't want to say names. It's not nice. I'm going to sit on the fence."
Who gives 100 per cent on the training pitch?
"Stephen Hunt probably gives the most effort every day in training."
Who is the most likely to have a bit of a moan during the pre-match routines?
"I'm not the best trainer. I prefer to be out on a proper pitch, 11 versus 11. So I will put myself. No, I won't put myself, I'll go Paul McShane. If we are doing a little circle of keep-ball and he loses the ball then he loses his rag and goes and boots balls away and nearly starts crying. So I will go for Paul McShane... and he kicks me every day!"
Who wins the skill school on the training pitch?
"Robbie Keane. No, Aiden McGeady, closely followed by Robbie Keane. Aiden McGeady has the quickest feet I have ever seen. He has lots of tricks and you don't want him in a one-on-one situation because he will make a fool of you."
Who would give Usain Bolt a run for his money over 100 metres?
"Aiden McGeady would be up there. Shane Long is pretty quick. There are a few of us up there. I'm reasonably quick."
Who could do with a bit of fashion advice from Gok Wan?
"Stephen Hunt is the worst dresser. He has the worst hair as well."
Who is the man to keep away from the dressing-room stereo?
"Stephen Hunt. He likes Abba and stuff like that.
Is that true?
"Yeah, check his iPod."
It's pretty unlikely we will ever get that opportunity...
"Ask him if you ever speak to him. It's true!"
Kevin Doyle appears in EA SPORTS FIFA 10, out now on all formats. For further information, please visit
www.easports.co.uk/fifa
