AFTER four weeks of soul searching, Kevin Doyle decided to follow his gut instincts and turn down established Premier League clubs to sign for Mick McCarthy's Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The former Republic of Ireland boss described the signing as a 'coup' after fighting off the interest of his new top-flight rivals.

And on the day the Wexford man signed for the Premier League new boys for an undisclosed fee, thought to be a club-record sum in the region of £6.5m, the former Reading striker told his new team-mates to defy the doubters and aim for Europe.

He is set to form an intriguing partnership with prolific marksman Sylvan Ebanks-Blake -- a pair who bagged 43 goals between them last season. Many will look to them to keep Wanderers' heads above water in a fiercely competitive top flight; however, Doyle believes McCarthy's side can set their sights higher than mere survival.

"We finished a point or maybe even a goal away from Europe when we went up with Reading," he said yesterday. "I don't know why we did so well but we all went in there wide-eyed and excited and fresh to play and that got us through.

"It was a bit like it is with Wolves now in that none of us had played in the Premier League before."

The Ireland striker cannot pinpoint one sole reason for turning down bigger Premier League clubs than Wolves but he revealed he had been impressed by the swiftness of Wolves' approach.

As soon as Wanderers clinched promotion the Wolves boss targeted Doyle and even though other clubs and agents tried to hijack the deal, Doyle's relationship with McCarthy had become so strong he ignored his other suitors.

"I had a gut feeling about Wolves," explained the former Reading star. "There was not one reason to move here to be honest -- it was a number of reasons.

"Wolves were the first club that came in and settled things with Reading, so they were the first club I spoke to.

"I was expecting a long summer but they were in straight away. I spoke to the manager and chief executive over a week ago and came to the training ground to see everything.

Conversation

"It was nice to see how keen they were when I came in and met the manager. I just got on really well with him. I had a good easy conversation with him and it felt right."

McCarthy's philosophy is if you are going to spend big, you need to be buying goals. The 25-year-old fits those requirements and just as importantly, he fits into McCarthy's squad where there's no room for 'Big-time Charlies'.

"I think it's a huge signing for the football club and it's a coup," enthused McCarthy.

"There might be one or two others scratching their heads and wondering why they didn't do it, but perhaps that's because we were in there from the start.

"From day one as soon as we were promoted I was straight in with my interest and wanted to do it.

"I think that helps with players when people show a genuine interest, speak to the club and do it up front. We were genuine, up front, on the money, with our interest. Kevin quite clearly got the vibe I wanted to sign him.

"I talked about having players with Premier League experience, Kevin has two seasons, with one great season. He's fit, hungry and bright. I think for us to secure that signing is brilliant."

Doyle's former boss Steve Coppell advised McCarthy to sign him and the Wexford man is ready to start enjoying football in the Black Country. He said: "At the end of the season I want to say I've enjoyed that and it all worked out brilliantly and the same after three or four years. We will do well next season, we just have to work hard and enjoy it.

"I can't wait to be honest -- all the players seem very eager to do well. They are all good footballers who want to do well -- it will be a joy."

Multi-million pound owner Steve Morgan was impressed by the former Cork City player and sees him as a sound investment.

"He's a hell of a player and it's a statement of intent by this football club. I've said before that we're not coming up to the Premier League to be also-rans, we're coming up to make our mark," said Morgan.

"We have a great squad already and Kevin is a brilliant addition.

"I think between the squad we have, the three signings we've made and the one or two more we have in the pipeline, I think people will know we're there."

The transfer deal brings a bonus to Wexford Youths, where Doyle spent most of his teenage years, with Wolves planning to visit Ferrycarrig Park for a friendly match next season.

"I'm really happy with that -- delighted," the Ireland striker enthused. "I've obviously been back on holidays but I haven't played there since I was 16.

"It will be nice, we will be looked after and it will be a great occasion for Wexford."

Elsewhere, Premier League newcomers Burnley have reportedly had a bid for Ireland U-21 international James McCarthy turned down by Hamilton Academicals. The 18-year-old starlet was said be have been the subject of a £750,000 bid from Owen Coyle's side, but like Portsmouth and Celtic before them, the bid has been rejected.

- Jamie Holland