Matt Doherty has been rewarded for his impressive recent form for Wolves with a first senior international call-up for the Republic of Ireland.
But having digested the good news as he aims to make the step-up from Under-21 level to a full cap, the 24-year-old defender will quickly step his focus both on Wolves’ game with Birmingham City on Sunday, and then trying to make the cut from the provisional to the final squad.
A total of 40 players have been named in the provisional squad for the friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and that list will be shortened ahead of the meet-up on March 20th.
“I had got back after a double training session and was having a bit of a nap,” said Doherty.
“And then my phone started going off all the time so I knew something was happening!
“I have spoken to my family and a few other people since hearing the news.
“I know it’s only a provisional squad at the moment but it’s my first call-up to any senior squad so obviously I am delighted.
“It is great news and the aim now has to be to get into the full squad.
“Once you are named in a provisional squad it is only natural to try and get into the main one and that is what I will be working towards.
“I do feel I am playing well at the moment but I have to keep that going.
“I probably would never have said I would feel this comfortable playing at left back but it has given me a different dimension to my game.
“For now though I am firmly focused on Wolves for now and trying to play well and help the team in Sunday’s game against Birmingham.”
Doherty arrived at Molineux back in 2010 having impressed in a friendly for Bohemians against Wolves during a pre-season tour.
He recently completed a century of appearances for Wolves and is enjoying a new lease of life having switched to left back.
He has produced an assist in each of the last three games and scored an injury time winner against Bristol City on Tuesday night.
*Today's call-up follows yesterday's news that Wolves midfielder Kevin McDonald has been named in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming friendly with the Czech Republic. Although previously named in a couple of full squads, McDonald is yet to make his senior international bow.
*Wolves sponsors and local firm Techworx are offering one lucky supporter the opportunity to WIN a signed shirt or ball and to meet two members of the first team squad on the afternoon of Tuesday 15th March 2016.
To enter simply look out for Techworx's new video on the Club's official Facebook and Twitter pages and share or retweet with your followers:
