While a first Nations League win was the major talking point for Ireland from the last international break, the pre-window build-up had been primarily about Matt Doherty.
The Boys In Green picked up a key 2-1 win in dramatic fashion away to Finland earlier this month and the Wolves defender was conspicuous by his absence.
New Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson sprung a major surprise in ommitting the 32-year-old who had been a regular in matchday squads since Mick McCarthy replaced Martin O'Neill in 2018.
Doherty's career had somewhat stalled away from the international scene, the player - who impressed for Wolves before signing for Tottenham Hotspur - struggling for competitive minutes in the Premier League.
He would join Atletico Madrid on a six-month deal but failed to secure a permanent move before returning to Wolves - the club where he played the best football of his career.
However, after making some appearances earlier this season he has failed to tie-down a starting role and did not feature in their defeat to Manchester City last weekend - a loss which leaves them bottom of the table.
Dara O'Shea started that aforementioned win vs Finland as well as the subsequent loss to Greece, the Ipswich Town central defender deputising on the flank of the Irish defence.
However, against Finland it was the introdcution of replacement right-back Festy Ebosele that proved match-winning.
The Watford star has bundles of pace and used his trickery to his advantage before picking out Robbie Brady for his match-winning strike.
Festy Ebosele ➡️ Robbie Brady#NationsLeague | @IrelandFootball pic.twitter.com/1rmrOHATqv
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) October 12, 2024
In the previous window it was Doherty who got the nod against England before he was replaced by another centre-back, Andrew Omobamidele, for what was a home defeat to Greece.
Doherty has since spoken of his axing to David Sneyd of The 42, sharing his belief that he should have been included in the Ireland squad during the last double-header.
"I just haven’t been playing that much so I don’t really have an argument with things at the moment,” Doherty said.
“But obviously I should be in the squad, even if I’m not playing or not going to play I should still obviously be in there. But yeah, I’m patient. I wasn’t happy, but I got to spend time with my kids. I do expect to be in the next squad.”
Fans accuse Matt Doherty of 'arrogance' for Ireland comments
The former Bohemians man - who is refreshingly honest when speaking to the media - added that he felt 'disrespected' that a recognised central defender had started in his position ahead of him.
His comments have not been well received by Ireland fans, with 86% of thousands of voters going against his assertion that he 'should' have been selected, as per polls on Balls.ie's social media channels.
Other supporters took to Twitter to accuse him of what they believed to be 'arrogance' on his part.
🇮🇪Matt Doherty:
"Obviously I should be in the squad; even if I’m not playing or not going to play, I should still obviously be in there. I do expect to be in the next squad.”
This arrogance and ego are the exact reasons Matt Doherty should not be in the Ireland squad. pic.twitter.com/DzZBAv5O4g— Scott Mason (@ScottMason00) October 21, 2024
I’d imagine it doesn’t help when you’re not starting for your side sitting at the bottom of the table..
Some arrogance from Matt Doherty https://t.co/nkoRVG0BDy— Brian Corry (@Bean_SMB) October 21, 2024
To feel disrespect you must first be worthy of respect.
I don't have one reason why Matt Doherty should feel he's worthy of an ounce of respect and a guaranteed starting place in the Irish squad. https://t.co/AFJTGrvESb— Mr. MT 🇮🇪🇵🇸 (@MicTuathaigh) October 21, 2024
It is worth noting that Doherty stated he cannot have an argument with not being selected to start, given his lack of competitive minutes at club level of late.
Regardless, it is safe to say his comments have not been taken lightly but a vocal portion of the Irish soccer fanbase.
Doherty will be hope to earn more playing time with Wolves between now and Ireland's meetings with Finland (Novermber 14) and England (November 17) if he is to add to his tally of 47 international caps.
