TOMMY GILMOUR is hoping for a happy new year for Eddie Doyle following a torrid 2013.

The Glenboig pugilist opened the old year with a disastrous one-round stoppage defeat at the hands of Willie Limond that saw him lose his unbeaten 13-fight record and also the chance to claim the Commonwealth light-welterweight title.

The 28-year-old then returned to action in June in a brutal battle with Moroccan Youssef Al-Hamidi in which he sustained a nasty gash above an eye which sidelined him for five months, despite the fact he was victorious on a technical decision.

But after completing 2013 with a gutsy points decision over Dougie Curran, Gilmour says Doyle will come again.

The St Andrew's Club supremo said: "The Curran fight was a massive one for Eddie, 2013 was not a good year for him and it was vital he closed it out with a victory.

"It was amazing the difference that win made for Eddie because you could see the sparkle back in his eyes and clearly he is back in love with boxing again.

"Now he will fight on the Saltire Promotions show at Paisley Town Hall on January 25 against Christian Laight.

"If he gets another win there then he will not be far away from title contention."

Doyle is now working under Peter Harrison and has been sparring with Limond.

Gilmour said: "Eddie is now working with Peter and that has meant he has also had the benefit of sparring with Willie and that will stand him in good stead."