Striker's display can ignite Pompey career

Eoin Doyle's man-of-the-match performance can ignite his Pompey career.
Pompey front man Eoin Doyle scored in Saturday's 4-0 win at Colchester Picture: Joe PeplerPompey front man Eoin Doyle scored in Saturday's 4-0 win at Colchester Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey front man Eoin Doyle scored in Saturday's 4-0 win at Colchester Picture: Joe Pepler

Paul Cook believes Doyle’s display in the 4-0 win at Colchester can mark a key moment in his time at Fratton Park.

The Blues loanee delivered an impressive display as he helped his team to a thumping victory.

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Doyle opened the scoring after 22 minutes with his second goal since arriving from Preston in January.

Pompey striker Eoin Doyle Picture: Joe PeplerPompey striker Eoin Doyle Picture: Joe Pepler
Pompey striker Eoin Doyle Picture: Joe Pepler

The 28-year-old then played a part in three further goals as Cook’s side put the U’s to the sword.

That was the emphatic response to missing a penalty in the 2-0 win at Crawley on Tuesday night.

Cook feels a lot of Doyle’s work has gone unnoticed in his time at Pompey.

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But he believes his powerful display can now breed confidence for the Irishman.

Cook said: ‘Eoin’s a great lad.

‘I had breakfast with Eoin and Michael Doyle on Saturday morning before the game. We were chatting with all the players.

‘I’m glad for Eoin because it will give him a lift. It’ll do him the world of good.

‘The thing about Eoin is his job is to lead the line and create space for others.

‘Without getting too tactical, Eoin does it terrifically.

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‘Everyone will think centre forwards must score goals and I agree, they do.

‘That can be the icing on the cake, though.’

With 10 games remaining, Cook believes having a strong squad to call on can aid Pompey over their run-in.

He said: ‘I have great faith in all of the players.

‘Gary Roberts is out of the team at the moment. Gary is some player.

‘There’s Nicke Kabamba and Jamal Lowe. We’re alright. We have a good belief about us.

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‘The supporters had a good trip home after the game and now it’s about going again against Grimsby.’

Two away wins since the Crewe disappointment has put the frustration of that loss to bed. With Pompey losing one of their last eight games, Cook feels there should be optimism around the club.

The Blues manager thinks, Crewe aside, it’s been some time since his side played poorly.

He said: ‘I was lying in bed the other day thinking when was the last time before Crewe we didn’t turn up?

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‘I couldn’t remember. That’s why I get a bit upset by the criticism sometimes.

‘People forget our bad start to the season. We gave everyone a head start.

‘Since then I think we’ve been quite consistent.

‘I’m delighted we sent those fans home happy.’

– JORDAN CROSS