Tommy Doyle praised the character and desire within the Wolves squad after the Old Gold booked a spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to a hard-fought win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux.
The hosts took the lead inside the opening two minutes when Mario Lemina turned home at the far post, before Gary O’Neil’s side were able to hold off the Seagull, and although Doyle admitted the team would rather have played a bit more on the front foot on Wednesday evening, he believed the players needed to do whatever it took to win the game and set up a last eight clash with Championship side Coventry City.
On reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals
“We’re buzzing. They’re a very, very good side and they play really well with the ball, so we just had to dig in.
“We got the early goal and then the rest was just about desire, and we have that in abundance in the dressing room, so we’re really happy.”
On going ahead after 79 seconds
“I think it rattled them a little bit at the start, because I don’t think they expected to concede so early, I don’t think anybody does, but I think it hit them a little bit.
“They were playing really well with the ball, but we had to make it about us and pick and choose our moments when we had to attack. There’s no goals on their scorecard, so we’re happy with the one-nil.”
On Lemina’s impact
“He’s been massive. He had to play a lot out of position today, so it shows the character of him and what he does for the team. He’s got us through with his goal, so I’m delighted for him.”
On being one of four changes from Sunday
“He [O’Neil] told us to just go and play. Nothing changes. We’d probably liked to have had a bit more of the ball and been able to go and play in this game, but sometimes you need to do what you have to do to win.
“I was ready, and so were the other lads who were brought in, and so were the lads who have been playing regularly. We’re all ready, and it’s just the way it is. Games come thick and fast and that’s just the way it is, so we have to go again.”
On facing Coventry in the next round
“It's a good draw, but like you said, we’ve got to go and beat them. We can’t take that game lightly, it’s another game that we’ve got to turn up in, play well and hopefully get through.”
