The Irishman and his teammates were in Europa League action in Armenia on Thursday night, recording a comprehensive 4-0 victory, but quickly turned their attention to the Premier League. Having returned from injury to net in against FC Pyunik, Doherty is feeling fit and ready for the Foxes, where he is expecting a tough challenge following their strong finish to last season.
On the Premier League return
“I’m really excited. We’ve been waiting since lase season, you go on your summer holidays but you’re waiting for the fixtures and to get back into it. Obviously, we’ve had a long pre-season and it’s been quite tough, but we’re ready to go on Sunday.”
On the Leicester challenge
“We played there quite early (last season) and a lot of us were new to the league, but this time around, with our experience, we’ll hopefully know how to manage it a bit better, it’ll be a tough game, but we’re prepared.
“We’re striving to finish as high as we can, we have the same ambitions (as Leicester) and we want to get as good a start as possible and they’ll be thinking the exact same thing.”
On his fitness
“I feel fit. Obviously, I’m probably not up the level of fitness as the rest of the lads, but I don’t think it will take me long to get into that shape. I had 60 minutes on Thursday where I felt OK and, the way the schedule is, we have a lot of games coming up so I’m sure I’ll be able to get enough game time to catch up fast.”
On the Europa League balance
“It’s new to us. We didn’t have this last season and the first game of the season is on Sunday, so it’ll be interesting to see how we recover, but I trust Antonio (Dias) and his backroom staff, they know exactly what they’re doing. There will be no excuses of tiredness come Sunday, we’ll be ready.
“We’re getting to play all over Europe, in different countries and atmospheres, it’s what you want to do, play in European football. You want to go as far as you can and challenge in these competitions and prove yourself against the best players. The ambition of the club is to be successful and the Europa League goes a long way in that.”
