Tony Cascarino admits Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matt Doherty & Everton’s Seamus Coleman partnership didn’t work

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Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty and Everton’s Seamus Coleman were in action for the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

talkSPORT pundit Tony Cassarino has criticised Wolves ace Matt Doherty and Everton’s Seamus Coleman for their performance during Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 win over Gibraltar on Saturday.

Before the game, Ireland boss Mick McCarthy had a big decision to make as to which right-back he would select in his natural position for the Euro 2020 qualifier – he opted for Coleman, with Doherty playing further forward.

In what was a scrappy game, in difficult conditions, on a difficult surface, McCarthy’s side secured all three points with Jeff Hendrick netting the only goal of the game just after the break.

But speaking to Weekend Sports Breakfast on talkSPORT (24/03/2019 at 7:30 am), former Ireland international Cascarino made it clear that the partnership between Doherty and Coleman on the right-hand side simply didn’t work.

“Matt Doherty, who has been in great form for Wolves down that right side, him and Seamus [Coleman] never gelled at all,” Cascarino told talkSPORT. “It is surprising because they are both very good players and they both do the jobs for their clubs on that right side extremely well. But it didn’t work at all there. Interesting what Mick [McCarthy] will do on Tuesday.”

On Tuesday, ROI will face an even tougher test in their quest to qualify for Euro 2020 when they host Georgia as McCarthy has a big decision to make in what team he selects.

While the team came home with the points against Gibraltar, it needs to be remembered that it wasn’t a free-flowing performance and their opponents on Saturday are one of the lowest ranked sides in this qualifying stage.

Either way, whoever is selected, both players are deserving of a starting place. In Doherty’s case, he has been one of the best performing right wing-backs in the Premier League this season.

On the other hand, while Coleman has not matched the performances of his Ireland teammate, he has been a rock and a consistent performer for the Irish over the years.