Spurs manager Antonio Conte has praised Matt Doherty after the Ireland right back returned to the starting side.
Since Doherty joined Spurs, he’s been through three managers, all with different systems, and competing against different players for a starting spot.
The signs were not good for Matt Doherty when the season kicked off, with playing time hard to come by and struggling for form in the international break
Matt Doherty made his first Premier League start of the season in Spurs 1-0 victory over Brighton, with Emerson Royal the preferred choice at right wing-back.
However, Royal’s red card against Arsenal opened the door for Doherty to take his opportunity with both hands, as he put in a solid display last weekend.
READ HERE: Leicester Block Fan's Big Screen Brendan Out Message
The 30-year-old was in good form last season until an injury cut it short and saw him fall down the pecking order at Spurs, especially with the signings of Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence.
🗣 "I think we have to try and do our best."
Antonio Conte outlines Tottenham's targets of doing their best and trying to gain maximum points from every game pic.twitter.com/BlQ4cIS4fh— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 14, 2022
However, speaking ahead of Spurs’ clash with Everton this weekend, Conte has praised the Ireland international, as he looks set to start again this weekend.
“We played without Emerson at Brighton and I was really pleased with Matthew. He’s struggled this guy to come back to a good level.
"Last season he struggled but then he became a really important player for us.”
These words of encouragement on Matt Doherty will not only help him, but also help Ireland, with one of their most important players playing regularly a huge plus for Stephen Kenny’s side.
SEE ALSO: Erik Ten Hag Claims He Had To Bench 'Undercooked' Ronaldo
