In some ways it would seem ludicrous not to start Matt Doherty against France, with him and Seamus Coleman being comfortably the two most experienced players in the Irish squad, in terms of the amount of high level of football they have played in their careers.
But, the fullback's recent move to Atletico Madrid has been far less than ideal, with only one appearance since his January move.
His match fitness and confidence would have been helped by his 60 minute performance in Ireland's 3-2 win over Latvia tonight, where he captained the side and linked up well with MOTM Will Smallbone.
But, in the RTE studio, Richie Sadlier was questioning whether he will be sharp enough to be facing the best side in Europe on Monday.
Seamus Coleman is fully fit and available and playing regularly, none of the things that you say about Matt.
And as much as Matt did well tonight to get the hour in terms of regaining the sharpness, it's good preparation for next week, Stephen's comments pre-match was 'we want Matt to do an hour so he's in as good a condition as possible for next week.'
I don't know if he's done enough to show that he is, I don't know what he is going to do in the next week to go from where he was tonight to where we need him to be, but I think there's a huge, huge decision there for Stephen to make.
Will Stephen Kenny Risk Matt Doherty Against France
Player of the match Will Smallbone was delighted with his contribution in Ireland's positive start against Latvia #IRLLAT #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/yJDx54150k
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) March 22, 2023
READ HERE: Ireland Player Ratings As Chiedozie Ogbene Goal Spares Team's Blushes Against Latvia
"I know he's picked Matt more than any other player he's picked in his reign, so he's a big believer in Matt's ability", continued Sadlier.
"But I'd. be really concerned, mainly because of who we're playing against, mainly because of the specifics of the task next Monday.
"It's just about the most difficult task you can have in world football at the moment."
Ireland take on France at the Aviva Stadium next Monday (kick-off 7.45pm)
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