Wolves wing-back Matt Doherty put in a good performance for the Republic of Ireland against Gibraltar last night.
Stephen Kenny’s side cruised to victory in Faro, beating their opponents 4-0.
It is about pride at this point for Ireland, as they cannot qualify for Euro 2024.
France have already qualified in their group, and there is a scrap to finish second between the Netherlands and Greece.
So last night there was no pressure for Ireland, and there was a comfortable victory as a result.
And Wolves man Doherty was very influential…
Matt Doherty puts in solid performance for Ireland with a goal and two assists
Doherty didn’t have a particularly good outing last week against Greece.
Ireland lost that game 2-0, and the Irish media were critical of the team and Doherty in particular.
There was some dubious defending on his part, and that saw him given a 4/10 rating by Balls IE.
But against Gibraltar, Doherty simply had to be much better and he was.
After just seven minutes, the 32-year-old made a nice run in behind the full-back and crossed for Evan Ferguson to finish.
Then, Doherty made an underlapping run, before crossing for Mikey Johnstone to score.
In truth, it was really poor defending from Gilbraltar, who just let Doherty ghost into space with no one tracking him.
In the second-half, Doherty then got on the scoresheet himself, heading in from close range after a corner was flicked on.
It was an easy finish as Doherty held off his marker.
And then Ireland rounded things off when Callum Robinson scored a header.
The Irish Independent said of Doherty: “Two clever forward runs on the right flank saw the Wolves man provide two first-half assists before he nodded in his second Irish goal in the second half. Much improved from Friday.”
A performance Doherty needed
After his struggles against Greece, it was important for Doherty to respond, and he did that.
Gibraltar are obviously a very low ranked nation and the game was very easy for Ireland.
But Doherty had to get out there and do a job.
Regardless of the opposition, it was good for Doherty to enjoy a good solid performance ahead of Wolves’ next game.
Wolves are facing Bournemouth on Saturday and it’s likely Doherty will be starting, with Nelson Semedo suspended.