Live

OTB Gold

06:00 PM-07:00 PM

OTB Gold
Advertisement

Sport

Antonio Conte is waiting to unleash Matt Doherty

Matt Doherty has battled his fitness this season, but now he's raring to go against Scotland.



Matt Doherty spoke to the gathered media at his press conference ahead of Ireland's game against Scotland.

Matt Doherty was arguably Tottenham's best player over the second half of last season.

He then injured himself. And that injury carried over into the start of this season. Doherty has been theoretically available for every game for Antonio Conte at club level. But Emerson Royal has started every game at right back ahead of Doherty.

Doherty explained this week that while he's been available, he hasn't been fit enough for Conte's liking.

"I feel pretty fit now," Doherty said.

"My recovery took a little bit longer than expected. I was pretty much available all of preseason but just wasn't moving that well. But, to be honest, the last 3-4 weeks have started to feel better. [Compared to] where I was in training, I feel sharp again.

"I'm happy to be fit again."

Doherty will play for Ireland this week. And that's hugely important because he is Ireland's best player. Ireland lose creativity in wide positions without Doherty. And with Scotland showing well during the week against Ukraine, Ireland will need everyone at their best.

But this window is more important for Doherty than just retaining his starting spot for Ireland.

Conte expects Doherty to play two strong games for Ireland and then reintroduce himself into Tottenham's starting lineup for the remainder of the season. Or at least put himself back in contention for a starting spot

"I understand where the manager was coming from in terms of where he thought my fitness was. And he was right at the end of the day. So I know that he trusts me, I know that when I'm back fit again he knows what I can do for him.

"And once he thinks I'm available, I'm sure he'll give me a bit more time.

"He wanted me to come away and try to get two games in. He kind of said in his press conference that I'd be available after the international break fully for selection. So that's kind of the plan if Stephen obeys him."

Ireland face Scotland in Hampden Park on Saturday.

Who should start for Ireland?

 

Football on Off The Ball brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.


Read more about

Antonio Conte Ireland Matt Doherty Scotland Stephen Kenny

Live: Title

Description

Added to queue
Removed from queue

On Air

Share

Share

Next up in queue

Title
Description
Duration

There are currently no podcasts in the queue

Go to podcasts

On Air

OTB Gold

OTB Gold

06:00 PM-07:00 PM

Share

Up next

LIVE: Newsround

LIVE: Newsround

07:00 PM-07:30 PM

Share

LIVE: John Giles

LIVE: John Giles

07:30 PM-08:00 PM

Share

LIVE: Off The Ball

LIVE: Off The Ball

08:00 PM-09:00 PM

Share

LIVE: The Football Show

LIVE: The Football Show

09:00 PM-10:00 PM

Share

Repeat: Off The Ball

Repeat: Off The Ball

10:00 PM-12:00 AM

Share

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

12:00 AM-02:00 AM

Share

Repeat: Off The Ball

Repeat: Off The Ball

02:00 AM-05:00 AM

Share

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

05:00 AM-07:00 AM

Share

OTB's Crappy Quiz

OTB's Crappy Quiz

07:00 AM-07:30 AM

Share

LIVE: OTB AM

LIVE: OTB AM

07:30 AM-10:00 AM

Share

Repeat: OTB AM

Repeat: OTB AM

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

12:00 PM-01:00 PM

Share

OTB Gold

OTB Gold

01:00 PM-02:00 PM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

02:00 PM-03:00 PM

Share

LIVE: Friday Night Racing

LIVE: Friday Night Racing

03:00 PM-04:00 PM

Share

Highlights on Off The Ball

Highlights on Off The Ball

04:00 PM-06:00 PM

Share

OTB Gold

OTB Gold

06:00 PM-07:00 PM

Share

00:00:00 / 00:00:00

Share on