Ireland's right back should take a leaf out of Johnny Sexton's book and take his demotion as an opportunity to learn
In his recent interview with Joe Brolly, the former Ireland rugby captain talked about his exclusion from the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa. “It hurt,” Sexton said. “But it forced me to learn about myself.” The following year Ireland, led by Sexton, won a series in New Zealand, the first team to achieve that feat in 28 years.
We thought of that Sexton interview when we read another article, Matt Doherty’s warts-and-all piece with The42’s David Sneyd. Not everyone liked what he had to say, especially when Doherty argued it was ‘obvious’ he should be in the Ireland squad.For while it is one thing for a footballer to trick himself into believing they are good enough to reach a certain level, it is another for them to admit it publicly.
But despite being upfront and transparent, Doherty got one thing wrong. He suggested he ‘should be in the squad, even if I’m not going to play, I should still obviously be there’.No one ‘should’ be guaranteed a place in any team. It has to be earned. Past reputation counts for something but not everything. What happened last week matters more than last year. Doherty, against England in September, had a poor game. Not that he was alone. Nine other starters were just as bad.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Republic Of Ireland Football Team
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Doherty 'not happy' with Ireland axe as Hallgrimsson expands on reason whyMatt Doherty, Callum Robinson, Alan Browne and Jake O'Brien have all been cut from the Ireland squad to play Finland and Greece
Leer más »
Ireland boss Hallgrimsson gets key fitness boost ahead of squad announcementIreland travel to play Finland and Greece next week in a Nations League double-header
Leer más »
‘I called him, he was not happy:’ Matt Doherty misses out as Hallgrímsson names Ireland squadHeimir Hallgrímsson still searching for first win as Republic of Ireland manager
Leer más »
Ireland squad recap as Heimir Hallgrímsson omits Matt Doherty and Jake O'BrienIreland will face Finland and Greece this month in the UEFA Nations League.
Leer más »
Hallgrimsson responds to Whelan outburst over 'lack of belief' in Ireland teamFormer Ireland international Whelan was part of the interim coaching team under John O'Shea and scouted for Hallgrimsson last month
Leer más »
Heimir Hallgrimsson Surprised By Intense Scrutiny As Ireland BossNew Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has revealed his shock at the level of media attention and pressure that comes with the job, admitting he wasn't prepared for the intensity.
Leer más »