Tottenham player branded ‘brilliant’ by country’s media after 4-0 win – sustains injury

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Matt Doherty has been applauded by Ireland’s media after helping his country beat Qatar 4-0 – but the Tottenham star has picked up a knock.

Doherty, 29, took his tally of Ireland caps to 25 during the international break as Ireland eased past the 2022 World Cup;s hosts with a heavy win.

Stephen Kenny is finally starting to show why he was installed as Ireland gaffer – also beating Azerbaijan 3-0 away from home earlier in the break.

Doherty started his seventh consecutive Ireland match, but it was Callum Robinson that sparkled – scoring a brilliant hat-trick for Kenny’s side.

Shane Duffy also got his name on the score sheet. Doherty was excellent during the first 45 minutes, being used on the right wing by Kenny.

But unfortunately for Ireland and Doherty – and potentially Tottenham – has was taken off at half-time due to a knock. Balls.Ie have given their rating.

They handed Doherty an 8, labelling his performance as brilliant – before confirming the £15million (Times) signing sustained a knock.

“Doherty started brilliantly down the right, playing a huge part in a number of attacks. Ireland got plenty of joy down that side,” Balls.Ie report.

“He’s stepped up his game at international level. Although it was a real pity to see him replaced by Cyrus Christie at halftime after picking up a knock.”

Tottenham star Doherty gets 8 for Ireland: Hopefully, knock is minor

It will be a shame for Doherty to finally start to show his best form – and then to suffer an injury. His Tottenham spell is somewhat in doubt.

That is because Spurs have brought in Emerson Royal, while Japhet Tanganga has started ahead of him so far. He is third choice at Tottenham.

So, showing his best form for Ireland might convince Nuno Espirito Santo to give him a go. Suffering a knock is bad timing, but it could just be minor.