Doyle sweating on Euro selection

Kevin Doyle is unsure if he will be part of the Republic of Ireland squad for Euro 2016 despite making his return from injury last weekend.

The veteran striker came on as a late substitute and scored a goal as Colorado Rapids secured a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

The 32-year-old was making his first appearance since suffering a leg injury representing the Irish in an international friendly against Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium last month, and he admits that he was pleased to make such a speedy return to competitive action.

Doyle said: “I was lucky in that there wasn’t a muscle injury – I was just waiting for the skin to heal. I could do plenty of work in the gym, which has kept me in reasonable condition, and I was jogging for a week prior to training with the team. I feel like I’m in reasonably good condition.”

The former Reading forward admits the injury has dented his hopes of being included in Martin O’Neill’s final 23-man squad for Euro 2016, but he is hopeful he can do enough over the coming weeks to earn a place.

He added: “I need to play some games and score some goals to give myself the opportunity to be picked. I have no idea which way it will go. Colorado are having a great start to the season and if I get picked for the Euros then great.”

The Green Army will take on Belgium, Italy and Sweden in Group E of the competition and they are on offer at 11.00 to finish top of the group, while they are priced at 2.20 to qualify for the knockout stage.