Kevin Doyle couldn’t wait to get back home to Reading on Saturday after a fortnight living out of a suitcase.

The Republic of Ireland striker spent the last two weeks in Europe with his national team as they played Georgia in Germany and then Montenegro in their qualification campaign for the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

Although Doyle admitted his own performance may have been affected by the international games, he refused to believe that it was the only reason for Royals’ disappointing 2-0 defeat at Portman Road.

Nonetheless, Reading’s record of games immediately following international games speaks for itself, as they have continually struggled to readapt to league life following the two-week breaks.

Doyle said: “I think it was only me and Hunty that played the two games, so you can blame that (Saturday’s performance) on all of us.

“There was a lot of lads away, and every time we have an international break we seem to struggle.

“We came straight from Montenegro to Ipswich and I’ve been sleeping in hotels for 14 nights now so I’m just looking forward to getting back.”

Doyle gave his usual 100-per-cent effort, but failed to make an impact against Ipswich, and his only real chance of the game arrived in stoppage time when he totally misjudged a Bobby Convey cross, allowing the ball to fall to Jimmy Kebe, whose low shot was cleared off the line.

Doyle will be hoping, though, for better service when Reading play Sheffield Wednesday at home tomorrow night (8pm kick-off).

Read Tuesday's Evening Post for the full story and more Royals news.