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Football

11th Sep 2018

Some Ireland fans couldn’t understand why Matt Doherty didn’t start against Poland

Robert Redmond

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.

Aiden O’Brien earns praise after scoring on his Ireland debut

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.

Player ratings as Ireland draw with Poland

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.