'He knows I never let him down' - Doherty on 'surprise' captaincy call

Elsewhere, seven weeks into his Spanish excursion, usurping World Cup winner Nahuel Molina isn’t going to plan for Doherty.

TAKING THE ARMBAND: Matt Doherty poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland squad portrait session at Castleknock Hotel. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A cacophony of captaincy chatter will consume the build-up to France next Monday but Matt Doherty plans on cherishing his armband cameo when the gunpowder clears.

It’s 15 years since Doherty first represented Ireland, a long stretch to be waiting for the gig to circle his way.