It’s been a goaltastic start to the campaign for Martin O’Neill’s men, with thirteen goals notched in their first five matches. OK, so four of those have been against FH Hafnarfjordur, although it’s clear that the Irishman has been sending out his team with the express intention of getting stuck into the opposition, even at the risk of shipping goals at the other end. Is another striker what the squad needs?
Yes and no. On the one hand, they have one less attacking option since Shaun Maloney returned to Celtic. However, when you’re conceding three goals to Stoke, perhaps the back four need a little attention. The Birmingham Mail report that the Villans could be set to land another quality player from Reading, with Kevin Doyle being admired from afar by O’Neill. Nicky Shorey can vouch for his ability, although he suspects it will be tough to snare the forward.
Shorey said: “He is good, no doubt about it. Last season was one of those where as a team we weren’t clicking in the right way, the way we were the year before.
“It goes like that some seasons. We tried to do enough to stay up but it wasn’t to be.
“But he will come back to his top form and when he is on top form he is a real handful and a very good player.”
Shorey thinks it will take big money to get Doyle now the Championship season is under way.
“I think Reading will keep the majority of the lads who are there now. The season has started and I think the gaffer (Coppell) has said he doesn’t want to lose anyone now. The fees will probably go up anyway!” he added.
Villa fans, would you like to see Kevin Doyle arrive at Villa Park? The striker has not had a great time of it in the past twelve months and missed a penalty at Charlton on Saturday. However, there is no doubt that he can perform at Premier League level and would be good cover for Carew and Agbonlahor.