Wolves defender Matt Doherty was in action for the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, scoring in their win over Bulgaria.
Vitor Pereira will have everything crossed that his players return from international duty with a clean bill of health.
Some Wolves players jetted off with their nations this week, including defender Matt Doherty, who has impressed as a centre-back in Pereira’s system.
The 32-year-old is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Molineux, rewarding his consistently solid displays, and he’s also an integral player for his nation.
Republic of Ireland were in Nations League action against Bulgaria on Thursday night, with Doherty impressing the media.
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Although Doherty has switched his position at Wolves, he continues to be utilised as a right-back for his nation, impressing as an attacking outlet.
Ireland secured a 2-1 win over Bulgaria and it was the Wolves star who scored the winner, earning some praise from the Irish media after the game.
The Irish Mirror handed him a 7/10 rating and wrote: “A fourth goal in Ireland colours for the Dubliner and a brave finish. Steady in defence and confident on the ball going forward. 7.”
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The Irish Sun also agreed with that rating, writing: “Few opportunities to break forward but made the most of one with a lovely run and header for his goal. Did well on Bulgarian danger man Kiril Despodov.
Meanwhile, Balls.ie handed him a 7/10 and claimed it was one of his best performances for Ireland: “Silly foul after overhitting a pass on 13 minutes. He was unpredictable on the ball, simultaneously coming up with tidy passes and interceptions while also dwelling on the ball and refusing to get forward at points.
“Got forward in superb style to head home just before half-time and put Ireland in front. His passing game was impressively composed as Ireland controlled the game in the second half.
“Quietly one of Doherty’s best performances for Ireland in quite some time.”
Doherty would have enjoyed his performance against Bulgaria
Doherty has relished playing as a centre-back for Wolves in recent months, although it would have been refreshing to have some attacking freedom.
He successfully supported Celtic’s Mikey Johnston down the right flank by chipping in with a goal but his all-round game was impressive.
1 goal
3 clearances
2 interceptions
3 aerial duels won
41/50 accurate passes (82%)
5 accurate long balls
Remarkably, this was only Doherty’s second goal for his nation on his 48th cap, showing he still has the attacking instincts to make a difference despite being more of a reserved, defensive figure at Wolves.