Doyle shrugs off selection talk

Kevin Doyle: Hoping to be involved in Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 opener against Croatia

Kevin Doyle is taking nothing for granted and refuses to believe that he will make Republic of Ireland's starting XI until he sees the official team sheet.

The Wolves striker is definitely in Giovanni Trapattoni's thoughts for Ireland's Euro 2012 opener against Croatia.

The Italian tactician has announced that the side he fielded in a friendly date with Hungary will be the one which starts in Poznan on Sunday.

Doyle partnered national skipper Robbie Keane in that contest, but claims that is no guarantee that he will make the cut against Croatia.

Told Trapattoni has named him in the side, the 28-year-old said: "Did he? I don't know, I will wait until he names it the day before, but hopefully so.

Sharp

"I feel good, I feel sharp, as all of us do, and I just can't wait for it to get started.

"I still want to train well this week - I won't be doing anything different just because he said I may or may not play."

Doyle's caution may be well-founded, with a 0-0 draw against Hungary posing Trapattoni with something of a selection dilemma.

He may decide to mix things up for the Croatia contest and, whether he makes the grade or not, Doyle admits he cannot wait for the competition to get underway.

He said: "It's been a long time since November, talking forward and back about playing Croatia, Italy and Spain, so I just want it to start."