After a tough couple of weeks, the Republic of Ireland recorded a promising draw on Tuesday night.
Martin O’Neill made several changes to the team that were hammered 4-1 by Wales last Thursday in the Uefa Nations League.
The team looked more solid and were more productive in possession. Poland woke up in the final 30 minutes and emerged with a 1-1 draw after Aiden O’Brien had opened the scoring for the visitors.
https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/aiden-obrien-earns-praise-scoring-ireland-debut-176744
John Egan, Shaun Williams and Enda Stevens were among the players brought into the Ireland team that played well. However, one of the changes that the Ireland manager didn’t make was questioned by several supporters.
Matt Doherty has impressed with Wolves over the last couple of seasons. The wing-back is a regular for the newly-promoted Premier League side and has played every game for them this season.
Wolves have the resources to buy big-money players but have stuck with Doherty, conveying just how highly they rate him.
However, he appears to be Ireland’s third choice right-back. With captain Seamus Coleman injured, many expected Doherty to get his chance, but O’Neill started Cyrus Christie.
The Fulham full-back wasn’t particularly impressive and Doherty eventually got his chance as a second-half substitute.
Doherty’s omission from the starting line-up left many perplexed.
What does Matt Doherty have to do to get a game 🤷♂️ #Jokeshop
— Alan Cawley (@alancaw) September 11, 2018
How Matt Doherty doesn’t get into the Ireland team when Coleman is out injured I’ll never know 🧐
— Tomas Boyle (@tomas_boyle5) September 11, 2018
Martin O'Neill cannot moan about the lack of Premier League players again after leaving Matt Doherty out of the starting team for this friendly
— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) September 11, 2018
If you started a campaign to get Matt Doherty out of MON Irish squad he would probably start him in the next game
— david henderson (@dvehendo) September 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/kevdaly1984/status/1039584119989194753
Matt Doherty gonna be the new Wes Hoolahan? Get used when he's burnt out with age
— Jonto (@Curtis__94) September 11, 2018
Matt Doherty must seriously be scratching his head 😧 plays right side of a back 3 in the premiership every week , and still not picked 🤔 #CianKavanaghHeadLoss
— Gareth McCaffrey (@GarethMcCaffrey) September 11, 2018
What does Matt Doherty have to do to get a start for Ireland?
— Phil Egan (@philegansport) September 11, 2018
Honestly at a loss as to how Matt Doherty is overlooked yet again for @FAIreland tonight, despite his club form. It just about sums up the way Martin O'Neill is running things, when form players can't even get a run in a friendly.
— James O'Donoghue (@odonoghuejames) September 11, 2018
