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Matt Doherty 'totally comfortable' at left-back

Matt Doherty says as a professional footballer you have to be adaptable and he'll step up for Ire...



Matt Doherty 'totally comforta...
Soccer

Matt Doherty 'totally comfortable' at left-back

Matt Doherty says as a professional footballer you have to be adaptable and he'll step up for Ireland when called upon. 

The defender looks set to line out at left-back for the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2020 Qualifier against Georgia on Saturday, with recent occupant Enda Stevens suspended.

Speaking ahead of training with the Irish squad at Abbotstown on Wednesday, Doherty said he's up for the challenge, despite not having played there for over two years at club level with Wolves.

"I'm totally comfortable playing in that position, I played two seasons there for Wolves.

"It'll be nothing new to me, if that is the case, I'll enjoy it and grab the opportunity with both hands.

"It has been a while, but we're professional and I'll be able to adapt."

Doherty was keen to stress that ability to adapt and stand up whenever and indeed wherever he's called upon;

"It is different.

"Some people might think right-back, left-back it's just going over the other side but positionally and things like that there are differences but I'm a professional and should be good enough to adapt pretty quickly.


"For me, I'm not concerned. "It shouldn't really be a problem and I should be able to play almost as well as I can on the other side.

"I know I'll be able to adapt to it."

Doherty, who has lost out to Seamus Coleman at right-back under Mick McCarthy, was in good spirits as, clearly excited at the possibility of his second start in this qualifying campaign.

"It's more of an asset than a curse to be honest. It means if I can't get in the team in one position I might be able in the other.

"I can play in a number of positions. I can play centre-back if I had to, right back, right wing-back and obviously left-back.

"It doesn't matter where he [Mick McCarthy] picks you, as long as you're in the team then you're happy.

Doherty though also feels there are no guarantees in this set-up and the healthy competition for places is positive.

"I don't think anybody should be guaranteed to start, you have to play well at club level, you have to come in, you have to train well.

"It's international football so it's going to be difficult to get a spot on the team, obviously, everybody wants to play but you've got to respect the manager and the decision that he makes."

 

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Euro 2020 Matt Doherty Republic Of Ireland