Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today that forward Kevin Doyle has been selected for the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Wales on Friday, March 24.
“I feel fit. I've had a good preseason and feel fresh. Hopefully I will get a chance to show that,” said Doyle in a press conference earlier today in Dublin. “We are in a good position in the group and this is a massive game for [Wales] because they cannot afford to lose.
“With the Aviva Stadium packed and the confidence we have gained from the first few games of qualifying, we have to fancy our chances of getting a positive result.”
Doyle joins an Ireland squad that will look to extend its lead atop Group D after earning three wins and one draw from their first four World Cup qualifiers. Ireland will also partake in a friendly match against Iceland on Tuesday, March 28 at Aviva Stadium.
The 33-year-old departed for international duty following the Rapids’ 2-2 draw against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, March 18. Doyle, who missed the second regular season game of the season against New York Red Bulls due to a head injury, played the 90 minutes and registered two shots.
In all, Doyle has scored 14 international goals in 62 appearances across all international competitions for the Republic of Ireland. Since his arrival in MLS, Doyle has played in 48 regular season contests, notching 11 goals and four assists for the Rapids.
