Injured striker Kevin Doyle: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher can help Wolves avoid drop

Kevin Doyle,Wolverhampton Wanderers(Getty Images)

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Injured Wolves striker Kevin Doyle says Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Steven Fletcher have the quality to get the goals needed to remain in the Premier League.

Doyle was ruled out for between four and eight weeks after damaging knee ligaments in the Republic of Ireland’s 2-1 win over Macedonia on Saturday leaving club boss Mick McCarthy with a striker shortage at a critical part of the season.

Ebanks-Blake and Fletcher are Wolves’ only fit, senior strikers with Sam Vokes currently on loan at Norwich, but Doyle says they have what’s needed to keep the team up.

Doyle said: “I have no doubt about the quality of Sylvan and Fletch.

“That’s the beauty of having a strong squad.

“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 was injured during a fairly innocuous challenge on Saturday evening and could now be out for the rest of the season if the tear in the ligament doesn’t heal quickly.

“It’s the timing of the injury which is the most disappointing,” Doyle added.

“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.”

Wolves travel north to fellow strugglers Newcastle this weekend and will be looking to improve their away record of just two wins and two draws so far this season.

Doyle admitted he is annoyed that he will be missing out on the final, most crucial games.

“To come into the 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,” he said.

“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 really confident the lads will do what it’s needed.”