Reading boss Steve Coppell was grateful to Kevin Doyle for his commitment after their 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic.

The Republic of Ireland striker's cousin, her husband and two children were all found dead following a house fire in Co Wexford in the early hours of the morning.

Doyle's family had kept the news from him but Coppell decided to tell the player. After speaking to his family, Doyle decided to travel to Wigan and played a battling role in the 0-0 draw at the JJB Stadium.

Coppell said: "His family had wanted to keep it from him until after the match but I felt the right thing to do was to tell him what had happened.

"He felt, very bravely, that he wanted to play and he was terrific given the circumstances. I can only imagine what he was thinking about before the game.

"He was obviously very upset but I think, in a way, playing in the game took his mind off it rather than just sitting thinking about it.

"Now he can do his mourning with the rest of his family."