| Reading’s stars look forward
to life in the Premiership  By
Richard Purden
Former Cork City striker Kevin Doyle is still pinching himself after
his headed equaliser against Leicester City on Saturday ensured Reading
would play top-flight football next season for the first time in the club’s
history.
Reading manager Steve Coppell signed the young Waterford man from Cork
for just £120,000 at the end of last summer. He’s been a revelation
up front for the Royals with Saturday’s goal being his 14th of the
season.
Doyle whose value increases with every game for Reading made his international
debut for Ireland in the 3-0 win over Sweden last month and many feel
he should be the automatic choice as striking partner for Robbie Keane
when the Republic go in search of a place in the European Championship
next autumn.
Also celebrating are Irishmen Shane Long and Stephen Hunt. Long, a striker,
also joined from Cork City last summer he started his playing career with
St. Micheals in Tipperary and played minor hurling for his county before
moving to the Madejski.
Stephen Hunt meanwhile joined the Royals on a Bosman-style free transfer
from Brentford. An Irish under-21 international his elevation to the Premiership
will also delight Irish manager Steve Staunton as his versatility in midfield
could well be called upon in the months ahead.
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