Hard work pays off in the end and this has proved to be the case when it comes to Matt Doherty’s career.
The 27-year-old’s journey to the top has been far from straightforward, but he’s now established himself as a first-team regular for Wolves in the Premier League.
That has alerted the attention of Mauricio’s Pochettino Tottenham, who continue to monitor the Republic of Ireland defender.
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Matt Doherty has been an excellent performer for Wolves in the Premier League
However, his international career is only just taking off, with Doherty frustrated by his lack of opportunities under former boss Martin O’Neill.
He was critical of O’Neill following his departure in November, but with his former club boss Mick McCarthy now back in charge of the the Republic the future looks bright for Doherty.
McCarthy was of course the man who brought the wing-back to Molineux from Bohemians back in 2010, with Doherty describing him as “a very good man-manager”.
Doherty could make his sixth cap for the Boys in Green as they begin their Euro 2020 campaign at Gibraltar on Saturday, which is LIVE on talkSPORT 2.
talkSPORT.com takes a look at the experienced defender in more depth…
Matt Doherty factfile
Name: Matt Doherty
Born: January 16, 1992 – Dublin, Ireland
International: 5 senior caps
Career so far
Doherty was spotted by Wolves while playing for Bohemians in a pre-season game against them in July 2010.
Despite never having played a first team game for Bohs, he was invited for a trial at the English side and soon signed a two-year deal worth a reported £750,000.
During the early years of his Molineux career he picked up valuable playing time on loan at Hibernian and Bury.
It wasn’t until January 2013 when he really started to make an impact in a Wolves shirt under then boss Dean Saunders, as he established himself as the club’s first choice right-back.
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The 27-year-old has worked his way up the leagues with Wolves
Sadly for Wolves a second relegation followed as they dropped into the third tier, but under Saunders’ successor Kenny Jackett he maintained his place in the side, earning a new contract soon after.
Since then Doherty has been an ever-present in the Wolves side, which he helped earn a return to to the Premier League after a six-year absence at the end of the 2017/18 season.
And after yet more impressive showings this season, Doherty put pen-to-paper on another new deal – just last week – keeping him at the club until at least 2023.
LIVE on talkSPORT
There are five live commentaries across the talkSPORT network this weekend. Find out what they are and where to hear them, below...
- Walsall vs Barnsley (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Shrewsbury vs Portsmouth (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- Gibraltar vs Republic of Ireland (Saturday) – talkSPORT 2
- San Marino vs Scotland (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
- Netherlands vs Germany (Sunday) – talkSPORT 2
How has he performed this season?
In a word – excellent. Doherty has made a seamless transition from the Championship to the Premier League.
His performances have secured him an average rating of 7.18 from whoscored.com, contributing three goals and four assists along the way.
Doherty continues to improve on the defensive side of his game, with 1.8 tackles per game and 2.5 clearances.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham are monitoring the Republic of Ireland defender
Who are interested in him?
Tottenham continue to track the Ireland defender, who wouldn’t come on the cheap especially after signing a new long-term deal at Molineux.
With Kieran Trippier having an indifferent season at White Hart Lane, a summer move for the 27-year-old is not out of the question.
However, Doherty, who has scored six times in all competitions for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season, says he is happy and settled at the newly-promoted outfit.
What are people saying?
Nuno Santo (Wolves boss): “Doherty has been fantastic.
“He has a big heart, he goes up and down, doesn’t rest and on the other side Jonny.
“It’s a tough job and we are very, very happy with him.
“I think last season he had a fantastic season and this was a big challenge to prove himself in the Premier League and he’s doing so well.”
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Mick McCarthy (Republic of Ireland boss): “He’s been fantastic playing for Wolves – playing as a wing-back, admittedly.
“He’s been a real goal threat as well, scored goals. He’s had lots of chances.
“He’s playing in a good team, a vibrant Wolves team who play some really good football.
“He’s done very, very well. I mean, I signed him for Wolves from Bohs [Bohemians].
“The best thing that happened to him was Wolves getting relegated [to League One]. He was in the team that got promoted and then promoted again.
“He’s a Premier League fixture now, and a good player.”
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