Wanderers striker Doyle won't be fit for opener

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Kevin Doyle will return to full training this week, but the Republic of Ireland international, who signed for the West Midlanders this summer for a club-record £6.5 million, will not be fit for the team's opener at home to West Ham United on August 15.

The forward underwent surgery on a hernia problem 13 days ago and manager Mick McCarthy had been optimistic that the player would be ready in time for the big kick-off.

However, it now looks as though Wolves fans will have to wait a little longer to see their new idol in action.

"Kevin will be training this week but probably not in full training, and that will be a big plus for us," McCarthy told The Express & Star. "He might be fit for the start of the season, but I don't think it's likely he'll be fully fit. He'll be fit when he's fit."

Doyle has managed only 45 minutes of action in pre-season so far, playing the second half of the 1-0 win in Australia over Perth Glory, and McCarthy acknowledged that the player needs games to reach full fitness.

"It's impossible for him to be at the same level as everyone else. He needs games," he concluded.