Seamus Coleman and Matt Doherty have impressed in the Premier League with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers respectively this season.
Mick McCarthy has hailed the performance of Everton captain Seamus Coleman as the Republic of Ireland made it two wins from two in European Championship qualifying on Tuesday night, while speaking to the Times.
After an underwhelming start to McCarthy’s second spell at the helm in the weekend’s dull 1-0 win against the minnows of Gibraltar, Ireland produced a far more cohesive performance in front of their own supporters, albeit beating Georgia by the same scoreline.
Aston Villa midfielder Connor Hourihane scored the only goal of the game with a majestic free-kick to ensure Ireland have got off to the best possible start in their Euro 2020 qualification group.
But, while reserving plenty of praise for the one-time Barnsley talisman, McCarthy was quick to hail the performance of the evergreen Coleman at right-back too.
“Seamus Coleman is different class,” McCarthy said.
The Everton veteran started at the back with Wolverhampton Wanderers flyer Matt Doherty featuring in a more advanced role under the former Sunderland boss so far.
After being criticised by the ROI manager for his performance against Gibraltar, McCarthy was keen to highlight Doherty’s contribution after coming off the bench to prevent a Georgia fightback.
“Doc came on and did a job as a sub. I am unlikely to play them again in the same game, as I did on Saturday against Gibraltar. I might,” he said.
“But it is a means to an end. Matt came on and did a good job, stopped them from scoring.”
With two of the Premier League’s best right-backs at his disposal, McCarthy has a tough decision to make.
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