Kevin Kilbane believes the Republic of Ireland’s change in formation could be key to Matt Doherty becoming a regular starter.
The Wolves defender made his international debut at the age of 26 in a friendly fixture against Turkey in March and is looking to build on an impressive display.
Doherty faces competition from the likes of Stephen Ward, Seamus Coleman and Cyrus Christie but Kilbane feels Doherty’s versatility will appeal to manager Martin O’Neill.
“James McClean struggles sometimes on the defensive side of things. I would personally like to see McClean play further forward,” Kilbane told OTB.
“It just depends on what the story is with Ward. There was talk after the last campaign that he may be retiring but that hasn’t been discussed [since].
“If Ward is playing every week with Burnley like he has been doing since the start of the season – he might keep his place in the side because he is a left footer.
“Doherty is certainly going to be pushing. We had Christie come in when Coleman got injured and made that right-back spot his own.
“I don’t necessarily feel he excelled in that role when he got into the side. But he seems to be the main man who will be pushing Seamus if he were to have any injury problems.
“But if we start playing three at the back, he looks like he could play as a right-sided centre-back and it does give Martin O’Neill options.”
James Hopper
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