Pompey boss: Eoin Doyle has massive part to play
The Blues triumphed 2-0 to break into the automatic promotion spots for the first time since September.
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Hide AdHowever, Doyle continues to struggle in front of goal, despite his excellent work-rate.
The loanee had the opportunity to register his second goal for Pompey after Enda Stevens won a second-half penalty at the Broadfield Stadium.
However, his 53rd-minute spot-kick was comfortably saved by keeper Glenn Morris.
It means Doyle has now scored once in eight appearances since his transfer deadline day arrival from Preston.
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Hide AdBut Cook retains faith in a player he has now managed at three different clubs.
He said: ‘Eoin Doyle is one of my favourite players that I like, he’ll be devastated about Crawley.
‘He had a great chance and a penalty, Eoin feels it, he works dead hard, I enjoy Eoin and he has a massive part to play for us.
‘He will never let anyone down, he is such a good lad.’
Michael Smith moved on loan to Northampton for regular first-team football following Doyle’s arrival.
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Hide AdHe has since scored once in eight appearances – precisely the same amount as the man who effectively replaced him at Fratton Park.
Smith opened his Cobblers account in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Charlton in League One.
Meanwhile, Doyle’s sole strike came in last month’s 2-0 victory over Blackpool at Fratton Park.
The Irishman has also netted three times in 15 appearances for parent club Preston this season.
– NEIL ALLEN