Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Wolves defender Matt Doherty earned rave reviews after Ireland’s 2-1 win in Bulgaria.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty was the match-winner as the Republic of Ireland beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League play-offs on Thursday night.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side came from behind to earn a vital one-goal lead heading into next week’s second leg in Dublin. Doherty played a key role as he netted the all-important winning goal after former Aston Villa man Finn Azaz’s equaliser, building further confidence following a dependable run in the Wolves starting XI.
Hide Ad
It wasn’t just a brave strike Doherty contributed, though, with some robust defending in the second half helping Ireland hold onto their advantage. ‘The Doc’ made three clearances, stepped in with two interceptions and won three aerial duels in 90 minutes.
National media laud Doherty
The Irish newspapers have hailed Doherty for his heroics at Vasil Levski National Stadium, with one report even suggesting the right-back made Bulgaria goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov look like “a chump”.
Awarding Doherty a seven out of 10 in their player ratings, the Irish Times wrote: “Stole in behind beautifully for his goal, making a chump of the first Bulgarian goalie by beating him to Cullen’s pass. Showed plenty of experience on the ball to kill the game.”
Meanwhile, the Irish Mirror, also handing Doherty a respectable seven, penned: “A fourth goal in Ireland colours for the Dubliner and a brave finish. Steady in defence and confident on the ball going forward.”
Hide Ad
No wonder the Irish media are pleased as the mega result in Bulgaria has given the Boys in Green a superb chance of avoiding relegation to the C division of the Nations League. Ireland were thrashed 5-0 by England at Wembley in their previous outing, so a rare away win was the perfect response.
Ireland boss assesses Doherty
It wasn’t just the journalists hailing Doherty as Ireland’s manager praised the versatile defender during a post-match interview. Doherty has made a decent impression on Hallgrimsson, starting three of the seven matches since the Icelander took charge.
“He had a good game, a solid game defensively but he is a really clever passer and finds runs,” said Hallgrimsson. “And he scored a really good and brave goal.”
Doherty will be hoping to build on his impressive performance as the second leg against Bulgaria is not far away, kicking off at 7.45pm on Sunday. If the 33-year-old plays, he will move onto 49 senior caps for his country, edging ever closer to that half-century landmark.