SIMON Cox claims Wolves’ hopes of a victory in Sunday’s Molineux derby will be significantly reduced by Kevin Doyle’s absence.

The two men know each other well from their time at Reading.

Doyle has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the international break in March.

Cox is well aware of the Republic of Ireland striker’s attributes and believes Wolves will struggle without their key player.

“Doyler is a very, very good player,” Cox told the Birmingham Mail.

“His workrate, his effort, his goals are what make him.

“He is massive to any football club. It’s about what he brings to a team.

“He doesn’t let defenders rest, he runs an unbelievable amount and that’s why he’s so sought after.

“If he was at a Spurs or somewhere then he would score more. In a struggling team your workrate isn’t always justified by the goals yet Doyler is very talented.

“Good in the air, good two feet, strong, quick – defenders hate them.

“He’s got everything a centre-forward needs in the Premier League and there is no doubt Wolves will really miss him on Sunday.”

While Wolves continue their struggle against the drop, Albion are already focusing on next season.

Cox believes the Roy Hodgson factor will be crucial to their summer spending programme.

He expects the experienced Albion manager to be a major draw for potential transfer targets.