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Just start Matt Doherty, what's the big deal? | John Giles

John Giles told Off The Ball this evening that he is confused by question marks over whether Matt...



Soccer

Just start Matt Doherty, what's the big deal? | John Giles

John Giles told Off The Ball this evening that he is confused by question marks over whether Matt Doherty should play at left-back against Georgia and Switzerland.

"I can’t understand this. Doherty played a full season, I think when Wolves got promotion, at left-back.

"I saw him! He played brilliantly. What's the big deal?"

The former Irish player and manager added that it can be an asset to have wing-backs who can cut inside on their stronger foot.

“I’ve seen lads who are left-footed at right-back and it’s been a great asset to them - because they could come on their left foot and open the pitch up.”

Matt Doherty - Attack from the back

Yesterday, Doherty assured Irish fans that he’d be more-than-comfortable playing left-back for Ireland.

He also discussed the attacking role that he could play from the position:

“I enjoy going forward on the left-hand side,” he said at Ireland’s media event before they travel to Georgia.

“You can cut in, you can do many things. You can do long passes, shoot, play one-twos around corners.”

Matt doherty Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“Always think you are going to go inside, which makes you able to go down the line as well.”

He cited his record playing on the left for Wolves:

“When I was in that position that’s what I used to love doing. I played there for a year and a half or two years […] Going forward, I think my assists and goals at the time at Wolves were maybe one of the highest in the team.”

While he’s consistently impressed in the amber of Wolves, the 27-year-old has only gained 7 Irish caps - missing out to captain Seamus Coleman at right-back.

Get him in

Giles also believes that Ireland should give Aaron Connolly a chance to try to replicate his performance against Spurs in the green of Ireland.

He was impressed by the maturity shown by the youngster as he netted a brace against the London side.


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