The Wolves ace was deployed on the right wing in the Euro 2020 qualifier at Gibraltar.
Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has admitted that he made a mistake in deploying Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Matt Doherty on the right wing in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Gibraltar on Saturday.
Although the 27-year-old has been impressing at right-back for Wolves this term, the former Molineux boss chose to utilise him as an orthodox right winger, in front of captain Seamus Coleman at right-back.
However, McCarthy opted to take Doherty off 11 minutes into the second half, replacing him with Burnley winger Robbie Brady as the Boys in Green laboured to a 1-0 win at the Victoria Stadium, courtesy of Jeff Hendrick’s low 49th-minute shot.
Speaking after the game about his decision to deploy Doherty where he did, McCarthy is quoted by The 42 as saying: “No. It didn’t particularly work well, that. He’s been the best attacking wing-back in the Premier League to be quite honest, but there’s probably been more room on the pitch.
“When teams are sitting back, has he got the silky skills to go past people? I’m not sure. He’s more of a passer and a runner. We did have a little bit of joy down that side in the first-half, but I always thought I might have to put Robbie on.”
Up next for Doherty is another Republic of Ireland game, this time at home against Georgia on Tuesday, and domestic football resumes with Wolves heading to Burnley on 30 March.
Doherty has made 36 appearances in all competitions for Wolves this season, scoring 6 goals and registering 8 assists, according to Transfermarkt, while his overall stint at the Molineux club has yielded 243 appearances, 19 goals and 34 assists for the senior team, plus 33 matches for the Under-23s.
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