'Different animal' - Matt Doherty an Ireland squad shoo-in according to John O'Shea

SHOO-IN: Matt Doherty and assistant head coach John O'Shea during a Republic of Ireland media conference at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John O’Shea insists club game-time was the determining factor in “different animal” Matt Doherty bouncing back from his shock Ireland axing.

The defender felt “disrespected” when Heimir Hallgrímsson dropped the Wolves man from his squad just one window in his tenure in October.

Injuries led to Doherty being recalled in November and starting in the win over Finland. The player and manager are aligned after clearing the air.

Doherty’s status as a Premier League regular under the management of Vitor Pereira has solidified his place in the squad.

His versatility by switching into a back three of centre-halves presents added options for Ireland in the Uefa Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Bulgaria, starting with Thursday’s away leg in Plovdiv.

“Look, it’s straightforward,” said assistant manager O’Shea.

“Once Matt is playing and playing well, it’s the key.

“He’ll know that himself; he’s a totally different animal when he’s playing football.

“You can see that now, when playing for Wolves. When we have that Matt, he’s always going to be in this squad - simple as that.”

Doherty (33) feels the passing of time has thawed any potential frostiness with the Icelander.

“I stand by the comments I made at the time,” he asserted.

“It was a long time ago and a lot has kind of passed since then. At the moment we have a good relationship and everything seems to be fine.

“We haven't spoken too much. We cleared things up I think the last time I was in camp, so everything seems fine now.

His omission came in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat to Greece, a match Doherty shipped flak for failing to track his man in the lead-up to the second goal.

“When it comes to criticism, I don't care too much about the criticism,” he said about his attitude to the stick.

“I did an interview a few weeks ago where I said I would rather take the criticism over some of the younger players. I know I'm able to handle the criticism - so that's fine by me.”

Meanwhile, O’Shea says Caoimhin Kelleher won’t need to be rallied around by his staff and players following Sunday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

The Corkman had claimed two winners' medals in the competition over the past three years with Liverpool before Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Wembley.

“The manager would have spoken to Caoimhín but he’s a brilliant character and has a great temperament,” said the former Manchester United defender.

“With Caoimhín, it was nice of him to let Newcastle win a trophy. It was their first one in a while and he’s got a few of them, so he’ll be okay. He’ll be sound.”