Injured Wolves striker Kevin Doyle is backing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher to provide the quality in his absence to keep Mick McCarthy’s side in the Premier League.
Doyle could be out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee ligament injury suffered during the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 victory over Macedonia on Saturday.
He has often operated as a lone striker for Wolves and has been a key figure in a revival which has brought eight points from four games, but Doyle has faith in Ebanks-Blake and Fletcher to step into his shoes.
Doyle said: “I have no doubt about the quality of Sylvan and Fletch. That’s the beauty of having a strong squad and having plenty in reserve.
“Sylvan and Fletch have had to be patient for a long time but I am sure whoever comes in will do just as good a job if not better.”
Doyle’s injury comes at an especially unfortunate time for Wolves as the league season enters a decisive phase.
“It’s the timing of the injury which is the most disappointing,” the 27-year-old said.
“To come into the best part of the season when we’re starting to play really well and looking to get out of the bottom three, it’s really frustrating that I’m going to miss out.
“It’s the most exciting part of the season for me, particularly with how it’s all shaping up in the league.
“Everything is still there to play for and it’s going to be nerve-racking and I wanted to be involved. But I’m still really confident the lads will do what it’s needed.”
Doyle has been ruled out for four to eight weeks but is desperate to play some part before the end of the campaign.
He said: “These things happen and it could have been a lot worse. They are saying eight weeks at the worst, and it could have been more serious.
“If things went really well I could be back in four weeks where there would still be three or four games left.
“Whatever happens I’ll be trying my best to get as fit as I can and hopefully contribute before the end of the season.
“We’ll just have to see but hopefully I won’t be needed and I won’t have to come back at all!”
