Doyle to miss Bulgaria clash

Kevin Doyle is almost certain to miss the Republic of Ireland’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on June 6th, after being told he faces between four and six weeks on the sidelines. The Reading striker underwent a MRI scan on his injured Achilles this afternoon and will also miss his club’s push for a return to the Premier League.

Doyle sustained the injury in the 1-0 Championship play-off defeat to Burnley at the weekend and will miss the second leg of the semi-final and the final should they overturn to scoreline tomorrow night.

The loss of Ireland’s player of the year is a significant blow to Giovanni Trapattoni, who has heavily relied on Doyle’s physical presence and ability to hold the ball up, in the campaign so far.

Given Trapattoni’s reluctance to alter his system, Doyle’s absence would most likely pave the way for Caleb Folan to partner Robbie Keane in attack against Bulgaria.

The Hull City striker proved very effective when replacing Andy Keogh in the 1-1 draw against Italy in Bari, and played a crucial role in Keane’s equaliser in the dying moments.

However, the recent form of Doyle's clubmate, Shane Long, may influence the manager's decision and his line-up in the friendly against Nigeria at Craven Cottage on May 29th is likely to reflect his preference.

Ireland are five points ahead of Bulgaria in Group Eight, having played a game more than Stanimir Stoilov's side. A defeat in Sofia would allow their main rivals for second to move to within two points with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, defender Alex Bruce has signed a two-year contract with Ipswich Town.

The 24-year-old looked certain to leave the club as a free agent this summer after rejecting a new deal back in January but after the arrival of Roy Keane he has signed on.

Keane told the club's official website: "I had a chat with Alex last week and told him I was keen for him to stay. He made it clear he wanted to stay so it was just down to sorting out the deal."

Bruce said: "It's a new regime and the owner has clearly made a statement of his ambition by bringing in Roy Keane.

"It's an exciting time for the club and I'm delighted to be part of it. The aim is to get to the Premier League and that is why I came here in the first place."