The Republic of Ireland completed a remarkable turnaround in their World Cup qualifying group with a 3-2 win over Hungary to make the play-offs, and while Matt Doherty did not feature, he will no doubt be buzzing.
Ireland had it all to do to give themselves a chance at making the tournament in North America. Wins against Portugal and Hungary had to happen, and that is exactly what they achieved, and they did it in dramatic fashion.
Former Wolves target Troy Parrott scored five goals in two games, including a last-gasp winner in Budapest to send the boys in green into jubilation.
Matt Doherty was not called up to the squad for the two matches, and he also missed the last international break as well.
The Wolves defender was recovering from surgery for the October break, and a knee injury against Chelsea ruled him out for November’s World Cup qualifiers too.
While he will be disappointed to miss out on helping his country, he’ll have been delighted with the eventual results.
However, the injuries could spark concern for his immediate chances in the national team due to the resurgence of Seamus Coleman.
Wolves’ Matt Doherty will find it tough to break back into Ireland’s starting XI
Matt Doherty has not always been well regarded by the Irish fans. His last international performances attracted quite a bit of criticism amongst his nation’s supporters.
Irish fans were angry with Doherty in Ireland’s 2-2 draw at home vs. Hungary, and they were not alone in their reviews.
The Irish media gave Doherty quite a low rating as well, but he is still one of the squad’s more experienced voices, having captained the Republic of Ireland several times.
Doherty has been Ireland’s starting right wing-back for a while, but the recent injuries, resulting in his exclusion from the squad, have opened the door for another man to take his spot.
Seamus Coleman has seemingly revitalised his international career in the Old Gold player’s place, and the 37-year-old has been receiving plaudits for his performances.
His leadership and experience have been widely praised, and that will make things difficult for the Wolves man when trying to break back in.
In the grand scheme of things, Doherty will likely be happy that he has a chance to go to a World Cup with Ireland, but selfishly, he will be frustrated that there is a reality in which he goes to the tournament as a backup option and not a starter.
Matt Doherty needs to show Ireland he can still play at a high level
The best way for Matt Doherty to prove he is a better option than Seamus Coleman is to start performing well under Rob Edwards.
Edwards has already hinted Doherty will play a big role, and now it is on the defender to prove that he can be important for both club and country.
The Irish right-back has already played under Rob Edwards, as he was at the club when Edwards took over as interim manager for a couple of games.
The new head coach already knows quite a bit about him, and that will not hurt his chances of starting for the Old Gold and, in turn, boosting his shot of pushing his way back into the starting XI for Ireland.