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.”
Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile“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.
