The Republic of Ireland played out a fairly drab 0-0 draw with Wales earlier today, as Stephen Kenny wrestles with various issues.
The global pandemic has caused havoc in the Ireland ranks, meaning Kenny was without a whole host of players for today’s game at the Aviva Stadium.
Neither side could find the winning goal, and James McClean picked up a late red card as the game ended in stalemate.
Spurs fans may have been intrigued by one development in this game, as a first-half injury to Kevin Long meant that the decimated Irish had to play Matt Doherty as a left-sided centre back.
The 28-year-old has been scrutinised for his defensive work as a right back in a four-man defence, so few could have imagined him playing at centre back.
However, Doherty is always strong in the air, and he actually impressed in the heart of the Ireland defence, leading to huge praise on Twitter.
Ireland fans felt that this was Doherty’s finest game for his country, calling him ‘exceptional’ and ‘excellent,’ even comparing him to Paolo Maldini and Virgil van Dijk after a ‘masterclass’.
Tottenham supporters joined in, feeling that he was ‘actually class’, whilst feeling that he could play there instead of Spurs feeling they need to sign a new centre back.
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