SOCCER:WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy expects to have Kevin Doyle back for the Premier League strugglers' last two matches of the season.

The news will come as a welcome boost for Republic of Ireland Giovanni Trapattoni as he plans for the Carling Nations Cup at the end of the month and the subsequent Euro 2012 qualifier in Macedonia.

Speaking ahead of yesterday afternoon’s crucial relegation victory over West Brom, McCarthy said the game had come too soon for the striker. Doyle had taken part in the warm-up but, having not played since picking up a knee injury on international duty in March, was kept in reserve for the matches against Sunderland and Blackburn.

“He was never close for today, it was always going to be too soon,” the former Republic of Ireland manager said: “But we think he will be alright for next week.”

Trapattoni, who has already lost Damien Duff and Keiren Westwood while doubts remain about the likes of Sean St Ledger and Darren O’Dea, appeared to indicate there was little chance of Doyle being involved when naming his squad during the week.

But, barring any setbacks, the Wexford man should be available to face Northern Ireland and Scotland when the Carling Nations Cup resumes at the Aviva Stadium

There was more good news for Trapattoni on Saturday, with goalkeeper Shay Given deemed fit enough to be named on the bench for Manchester City. Having already lost the Donegal man’s understudy, Kieren Westwood, Trapattoni can ill-afford to be without his first choice goalkeeper.

Given completed the full 90 minutes in a reserve match against Chelsea on Thursday, and was among the substitutes at Goodison Park yesterday.

Keith Andrews also returned to action as a second-half substitute for Blackburn as Rovers were denied a much-needed win at West Ham.