Doyle happy to do his building on the pitch

Michael Doyle is eternally grateful to have his job as a footballer as it prevents him from following in his father’s footsteps on to a cold building site, writes Euan Robertson.

The 27-year-old Queen of the South man was signed as a defender but his versatility has been invaluable as the Dumfries team have embarked on an excellent run, losing only one game in ten. The former Celtic youth player has played in almost every position for Queens this season but admits he is happy to follow manager Gary Naysmith’s every instruction.

He said: “The manager knows that any position he puts me in I’ll give 100 per cent. I’ve played right-back, centre-back, left centre-back, central midfield and now on the right wing.

“I’m just happy to be playing footballbecausemylifecould have been different. People wake up and have jobs on a building site freezing in the rain. That’s what my dad does and he reminds me to work hard for everything I’ve got.”

Doyle was outstanding on the right flank as Queens thrashed the league leaders at Palmerston. He demonstrated his attacking ability by grabbing his second goal of the season on the stroke of half-time.

After Stephen Dobbie fired Queens in front on 13 minutes, the talismanic striker turned provider, threading a perfect through ball to Doyle who expertly finished past Scott Fox. On-loan Motherwell defender Barry Maguire scored the third on his home debut on 65 minutes before Dobbie added a fourth to make it 32 goals for the season.