Coventry skipper won't tone down his performance against Portsmouth

That's the verdict of The News' chief sports writer Neil Allen ahead of the Blues' trip to Coventry.

Doyle meets his former club for the first time since departing Fratton Park in 2017.

The Irishman spent two seasons at Pompey following his 2015 arrival and skippered Paul Cook's side to the League Two title.

The midfielder left PO4 just weeks later, though, opting to join the Sky Blues for the second time in his career.

Doyle was a fans' favourite for his leadership qualities, consistent performances and wholehearted commitment.

Speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk, Allen told of the respect he has for the former Sheffield United man.

But he knows Doyle will have no room for sentiment when coming up against his former club at the Ricoh Arena tomorrow night.

Allen said: '˜What a phenomenal player for Pompey Doyle was.

'˜He was a captain, leader, fantastic player and held in such high regard by Pompey fans

'˜You obviously wouldn't mess with him!

'˜But he was tremendous as a captain and figurehead of the football club.

'˜It will be lovely when he comes back to Fratton Park because he'll be given a tremendous reception '“ and rightly so. 

'˜He never shirked anything. He wanted to speak the press before the Crawley away game because he wanted to apologise and set the record straight about how the players wanted to get promoted. 

'˜Doyle never shirked a tackle, interview or confrontation.

'˜He was a proper midfield hard man and captain.

'˜I remember when Calvin Davies was released and Doyle rang him up to offer him words of encouragement. 

'˜I have so much respect for the man and a player.

'˜But he won't be toning down his performance against Pompey at Coventry!

'˜He's a person that skippered Pompey to the League Two title and will never be forgotten.'