Matt Doherty was singled out for special praise following his performance for the Republic of Ireland in their clash against Portugal on Wednesday evening.
The Irish looked as if they were about to complete a memorable win against the Portuguese at the Estádio Algarve and take three crucial points in their World Cup qualifying campaign
Having led until the 89th minute courtesy of Gavin Bazunu’s penalty save from Cristiano Ronaldo and John Egan’s header, their hopes came crashing down when the Manchester United scored two late goals to break Irish hearts.
Tottenham right-back Doherty was named in Stephen Kenny’s starting eleven and caught the eye of former international Damien Delany, who claimed that the 29-year-old had put in one of his best performances.
“[Gavin] Bazunu had a great game but Matt Doherty was man of the match by a country mile for me,” Delaney told Virgin Media Sport.
“Incredible in his travelling with the ball, interceptions. By far his best game for Ireland, and one of the best games I’ve seen Matt Doherty play.
“He and Seamus Coleman executed the manager’s plan to perfection, brilliant,”
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Doherty faces a battle for regular first-team football at Tottenham, having seen Nuno opt to start Japhet Tanganga in the opening three Premier League fixtures of the new season and now has extra competition following the arrival of Emerson Royal from Barcelona.
Hopefully, his performance for Ireland can give him the confidence to go back to Hotspur Way and rediscover the form he showed at Wolves.
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