Man City loanee Tommy Doyle details Kevin De Bruyne inspiration after FA Cup heroics

Tommy Doyle has named Kevin De Bruyne as one of his main inspirations after the Manchester City loanee's wonderful long-range effort sent Sheffield United into an FA Cup semi-final against the Blues.

Paul Heckingbottom's side came through a thrilling quarter-final tie against Blackburn Rovers last month, twice coming from behind before Doyle rifled home from all of 25-yards in added-time to send Bramall Lane into rapture. Victory confirmed a trip to Wembley and a last-four clash with Pep Guardiola's City, who cruised past Burnley with a commanding 6-0 win.

However due to rules surrounding loanees, neither Doyle nor James McAtee will be eligible to face their parent club next month. Doyle is no stranger to long-range efforts and stepping up in big moments, but the 21-year-old will be disappointed not to be able to test himself against his idol at Wembley.

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"In terms of shooting role models, obviously De Bruyne from City is one of the best and growing up I watched a lot of Steven Gerrard," he explained. "He did that in the big moments and you want to do that yourself.

"I don't want to sound cocky but I want to expect these things from myself. I want to step up in these big moments and help the team as much as I can. It's been a good week but we're all in this together and the team help me perform."

Doyle is enjoying a brilliant spell in the Championship, his four goals and four assists in 24 league appearances helping the Blades into second place and a strong chance of automatic promotion. But with just nine games to go and an in-form Middlesbrough breathing down their necks, every game from now until June will be massive.

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