Express & Star

Mick McCarthy explains Wolves' Matt Doherty snub

Wolves' Matt Doherty didn't play a minute for Ireland during the recent internationals because Seamus Coleman is a better right-back, boss Mick McCarthy has stated.

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Doherty was an unused substitute for games against Denmark and Gibraltar, with Everton's Coleman – who is Ireland's captain – playing the full 90 minutes in both.

The Wolves man was made to wait for his Ireland debut but finally broke into the team last season when Coleman was injured.

After an experiment against Gibraltar earlier this year when Doherty played ahead of Coleman as a right-winger, the 27-year-old is now back on the bench.

And McCarthy explained: "In my opinion, Seamus is the best right-back. I think Matt is a fabulous right-back but, unfortunately for him, I think Seamus is a better one.

"At this moment in time why would I leave Seamus out? But it's always about someone who doesn't play. And the other thing about Seamus is, he's a fabulous personality and the captain of the team. It's just difficult, you know."

"Matt isn't an attacker, he's a right wing-back and he is a brilliant right wing-back for Wolves but unfortunately sometimes, the manager just thinks that there is somebody who is better in that position.

"I can't say anything other than that or give you any other reasons. I really love Matt Doherty. I signed him at Wolves, he's had a great career.

"But it (decision) is my preference. That's what it is and the manager has to have it. It's unfortunate."