Ireland suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat to Norway on Thursday evening at the Aviva Stadium – and Irish media have taken aim at Tottenham defender Matt Doherty for his performance, with Balls.ie labelling him “severely limited”.
Doherty, 30, has endured a bit of a stop-start campaign in which the ex-Wolves full-back has overcome a long-term knee injury – but still lacks a serious amount of game time. Antonio Conte continues to pick Emerson Royal first.
That is, despite Spurs fans becoming somewhat fed up of Royal – even jeering him off the pitch against Leeds last time out. Doherty will be hoping that with Ireland playing in a couple of friendlies before the World Cup, he impresses.
But it sounds as if he struggle last night. Ireland put in an admirable display against one of the best sides that failed to get to the World Cup. Alan Browne cancelled out Leo Ostigard’s opener, before Ohi Omoijuanfo netted the winner.
Tottenham ace Doherty lasted the entire 90 minutes, which will be a positive in the eyes of Spurs and Conte. But, the £13.4million (FL) addition was criticised for his performance. Balls.ie say his attacking output was very limited.
“Looked to exploit the space early on, although Norway seemed to quickly stamp out that threat. Doherty was asked few questions defensively, although his attacking output was severely limited. Would have hoped for much better.”
Irish media have taken aim at ‘limited’ Tottenham defender Doherty
Doherty will have been disappointed with his performance, but it was against a strong Norway side that included Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard. There was no Erling Haaland, but Southampton’s Mo Elyounoussi also featured.
The Spurs defender will have another opportunity to shine and catch the eye of Conte, on Sunday. Ireland go to Malta to take on the European minnows in a game they should win. It might give Doherty more of a chance to impress.
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