Doyle: I never lost respect for McCarthy

By Matt Vines

Wolves striker Kevin Doyle has insisted that he never lost respect for sacked boss Mick McCarthy - even though he was ousted as the club's first-choice striker.

The 28-year-old regrets the departure of McCarthy and has followed the example of skipper Roger Johnson in admitting that the players have to take a large slice of the blame.

The Republic of Ireland international said: "I didn't play for the last month but it didn't change my feelings towards the manager. I still respected him 100% and wanted to do well for him. Players wanted to do well for him and that makes it a bit harder when he does have to leave".

The striker, who has netted just three Premier League goals this season added: "We all feel culpable, we're all part of it and I just wish we could have played that bit better and not ended up with the manager having to leave. It's not nice for it to end like that".

Wolves are believed to be stepping up their search for a replacement, with Alan Curbishley having already been interviewed.

Club owner Steve Morgan is rumoured to be impressed with the former West Ham boss and if his appointment is eventually confirmed it will end a three-and-a-half year absence from the game.