Ireland have a real shot at reaching World Cup, insists Doherty

Major tournament qualification remains the veteran full-back's top target

SURE TOUCH: Ireland's Matt Doherty gets a pass away under pressure from Bulgaria's Kiril Despodov in Sunday's play-off second leg at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Matt Doherty was 26 when making his Ireland debut, 33 reaching his 50th cap this week, and has designs on breaking his tournament duck next summer.

Much of being on the margins is attributable to him competing with Séamus Coleman during his prime but Doherty has possession of the right-back and transatlantic trekking in his mind.