No one can replace QPR’s own Roy of the Rovers – although their boss thinks Kevin Doyle may come close.
The Irish international was a last-minute gamble in January's transfer window when top scorer Charlie Austin pulled up lame with a dislocated shoulder.
The striker with 15 goals in all competitions, more than the rest of the Rs midfield put together, is out for the rest of the season, and the ill wind that blows somebody some good is Doyle's, and a chance to rescue his career from the doldrums of League One with Wolves.
Redknapp reckons comparing Austin to Doyle is football’s chalk and cheese.
He explained: “Charlie was like Roy of the Rovers for us; scoring all them late goals and ones that won the match.
“But Kevin Doyle is Kevin Doyle, and his own man. It’s important that he works his socks off for the team – he’s a grafter.
“We lost Charlie and it was a difficult situation. It wasn’t a case of shall I have him, him or him? There wasn’t time (in the transfer window) – it was a case of who can I get?
“We had to take gambles, but Kevin’s a player I’ve always liked. He works hard for the team.
“(Coach) Wally (Downes) had worked with him at Reading – and I had no doubts about giving him an opportunity.”
