Striker's bravery in face of family tragedy

Steve Coppell paid tribute to Kevin Doyle after the striker chose to help Reading's fight against Barclays Premier League relegation despite a family tragedy.

The Ireland striker's cousin, her husband and two children were found dead following a house fire in County Wexford in the early hours of Saturday morning, but Doyle featured in the 0-0 draw with Wigan.

"His family had wanted to keep it from him until after the match, but I felt the right thing to do was to tell him what had happened," Coppell said. "He felt, very bravely, that he wanted to play and he was terrific given the circumstances. I can only imagine what he was thinking about before the game."

He added: "He was obviously very upset but I think, in a way, playing in the game took his mind off it rather than just sitting thinking about it. Now he can do his mourning with the rest of his family."