Wolves today paid tribute to striker Kevin Doyle for turning his back on the trail out of Molineux this summer.

Chief executive Jez Moxey has confirmed that the opportunity for Doyle to follow the path taken by former team-mates Michael Kightly, Steven Fletcher and Matt Jarvis to the Premier League began to appear in the final days of the transfer window.

But Moxey said he and the club were thrilled when Doyle showed no interest in following up interest from Villa and Everton.

Doyle has stayed to take on a key role in the new era under Stale Solbakken, captaining the team at Cardiff and being confirmed as one of two vice-captains.

Moxey said: "The big positive for us with Kevin was that he never fell into that category of 'I want away'.

"There was interest in him and one or two Premier League clubs called us about him and he was aware of it. It never materialised into a bid but there was interest.

"But at no point did he say 'I want to leave' and he deserves great credit for that.

"There were enquiries and they were from established Premier League clubs but Kevin said all along that he was strictly behind us and that sort of commitment is to be praised."

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Doyle himself revealed last week he was happy to honour the commitment of club to player when he signed his previous contract.

And his public acclaim from Moxey today goes hand-in-hand with the thanks of his nation following his last-gasp winner for Ireland against Kazakhstan in Friday's World Cup qualifier.

Doyle struck as a "super sub", his Wolves' relegation having cost him a starting role for Ireland.

He said: "It's a consequence of me getting relegated last year at Wolves. I can't be expecting to be getting picked for Ireland when there's two or three lads playing ahead of me in the Premier League every week.

"That's my own problem, my own fault and I've to get back playing at the highest level as soon as possible."