After losing to Sunderland, Matt Doherty said, “Wolves is my club. I’ve been here basically my whole career, and it hurts me,” and his recent actions have shown how much he cares.
The club’s struggles have been well documented this year, and fans have been looking to the players to show they still have a fight in them.
Former Premier League manager Martin O’Neill believes Wolves can still survive relegation due to the quality in their squad.
However, relegation looks likely, and supporters are growing tired of hearing words and not seeing actions on the pitch.
Doherty, who is a member of the leadership group at the club, may be the first to showcase to fans what they want after his recent admission.
Matt Doherty continuing to play despite injury timeline
Matt Doherty’s wrist surgery was meant to keep him out of action for up to two months, but the Irishman was back instantaneously following the international break.
Doherty is committed to helping Wolves escape their struggles, and his time on the sidelines being cut short proves it.
He said (via Wolves.co.uk), “It was meant to be six to eight weeks, and it’s been two and a half weeks. It feels alright. I had a big cast on it. It’s going to take a lot for me to not be involved. I’m absolutely fine; it’s healing quite fast, I think, because I don’t really feel it now.”
Doherty’s decision to return early – with medical assistance and assurance – speaks volumes about his desperation to be on the pitch and be part of the reason for Wolves turning things around.
As one of the senior players, it is a true showing of leadership from the defender.
The player could have chosen a cautious approach to his injury, but his return ahead of schedule has come to the benefit of Vitor Pereira. It would have been very easy for him to sit out and wait for it to fully heal.
You can disagree about whether Doherty’s form is a cause for concern or whether or not he is good enough to be playing, but you cannot question his commitment.
Wolves players must follow Matt Doherty’s example
Wolves’ players must now show the same commitment and bravery in the upcoming matches, as must Vitor Pereira.
It will be a big few weeks for the club, and despite the alarming results and the disappointing league placement, it is still early, and things can change quickly.
A win against Burnley would bring them closer to stepping outside of the relegation places, and that could be enough to psychologically change their outlook.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 15 |  LeedsLeeds | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 13 | -6 | 8 |
| 16 |  BrentfordBrentford | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 7 |
| 17 |  BurnleyBurnley | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 15 | -6 | 7 |
| 18 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 15 | -10 | 5 |
| 19 |  West HamWest Ham | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 16 | -10 | 4 |
| 20 |  WolvesWolves | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 16 | -11 | 2 |
They are unlucky to only be on two points after late equalisers against Tottenham and Brighton, but the Premier League moves fast, and let’s hope the job is done on Sunday.