John Giles told Off The Ball this evening that he is confused by question marks over whether Matt Doherty should play at left-back against Georgia and Switzerland.
"I can’t understand this. Doherty played a full season, I think when Wolves got promotion, at left-back.
"I saw him! He played brilliantly. What's the big deal?"
"His best option would be to say, 'I'm finished!'"
John Giles talking Ole and #MUFC - and warning that if he's not being backed he should just quit... 👋
Full video in association with @paddypower ➡️ https://t.co/YQflsiBWKy pic.twitter.com/QLeNUzUVqM— Off The Ball (@offtheball) October 10, 2019
The former Irish player and manager added that it can be an asset to have wing-backs who can cut inside on their stronger foot.
“I’ve seen lads who are left-footed at right-back and it’s been a great asset to them - because they could come on their left foot and open the pitch up.”
Matt Doherty - Attack from the back
Yesterday, Doherty assured Irish fans that he’d be more-than-comfortable playing left-back for Ireland.
He also discussed the attacking role that he could play from the position:
“I enjoy going forward on the left-hand side,” he said at Ireland’s media event before they travel to Georgia.
“You can cut in, you can do many things. You can do long passes, shoot, play one-twos around corners.”
“Always think you are going to go inside, which makes you able to go down the line as well.”
He cited his record playing on the left for Wolves:
“When I was in that position that’s what I used to love doing. I played there for a year and a half or two years […] Going forward, I think my assists and goals at the time at Wolves were maybe one of the highest in the team.”
While he’s consistently impressed in the amber of Wolves, the 27-year-old has only gained 7 Irish caps - missing out to captain Seamus Coleman at right-back.
Get him in
Giles also believes that Ireland should give Aaron Connolly a chance to try to replicate his performance against Spurs in the green of Ireland.
He was impressed by the maturity shown by the youngster as he netted a brace against the London side.