Wolves defender Stephen Ward is delighted the club managed to keep hold of Everton target Kevin Doyle during last month's transfer window.

Sky Sports reported Everton were lining up a move for Doyle before transfer deadline day last Tuesday.

Doyle has struggled to hold down a place in Mick McCarthy's side this season, but he came off the bench to net the winner for Wolves in last weekend's victory at Queens Park Rangers.

Ward claims Everton tried to sign his team-mate Doyle and he praised his fellow Irishman for not letting the speculation around his future affect him.

"I was delighted for him. It has been tough for Doyler but he is the ultimate professional," said Ward.

"He is not the kind of person to mope around and he has worked really hard in training.

"When a club like Everton, who are safe in the division and a big club, come in you would be surprised if it didn't affect him but the bid changed nothing.

"It is great to have players like him in the squad."