The former St Mary’s and St George’s defender/midfielder was part of the Rangers squad that held their nerve to beat OKC Energy FC on penalties and win the USL Western Conference title at the weekend.

In doing so, the Kansas City side made history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back Western Conference titles and earn successive USL Cup final spots.

The club, who play its home games at Children’s Mercy Victory Field, lost to Red Bull II in last year’s championship final, therefore they will be hoping to go one better when they face Louisville FC this Monday.

Speaking to the Manx Independent, Doyle believes it’s the culmination of a season of hard work: ’It’s a great achievement to win the Conference, it’s something the team has been aiming for since the first day of pre-season.

’Reaching back-to-back finals and being successive champions is the proof that the philosophy of the club is working. It’s always nice to win as you never know when you might get another chance, especially as a professional - who knows, anything can happen from year to year.’

Goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas was the hero of the day for Swope Park Rangers as he kept a clean sheet during the 90 minutes of normal time before producing four saves in the penalty shootout and then scored the winning spot-kick himself.

Doyle has made 18 appearances for Rangers this season and scored two goals, but was on the bench for the weekend’s match.

So what was it like watching the shootout from the sidelines? ’The penalties were horrible. We had missed three chances to win it and I thought that’s it, we won’t win now. Then Adrian stepped up again, saved one and then buried his own penalty and it was amazing.

’It will be tough going to Louisville as they’re a good side year in, year out and away games in the USA are a different animal with travel and weather, but it’s a final so the squad will be ready.’

So how does Doyle rate his first season as a professional with Swope Park Rangers? Is he pleased with how the year has gone?

’Yes and no to be honest,’ he says. ’Of course I’d like to have played every game, but being an MLS2 team it’s out of my control as we have used a lot of first team players.

’However, to heavily contribute to a championship-winning squad is pleasing.’