Mixed news as Wolves star snubbed for international duty

Wolves defender Matt Doherty is a shock exclusion after he was left out of the Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming Nations League matches.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has named a 24-man squad for their upcoming matches against Finland on October 10, and Greece on October 13, with both games being away from the Aviva Stadium. Doherty does not make the cut, despite ROI being without the services of Everton captain Seamus Coleman, owing to injury.

The Dublin-born right-back made Hallgrimsson's squad last month, and started against England. He dropped to the bench for ROI's defeat to Greece, coming on for a 16-minute cameo. Other players not to be included are Jake O'Brien, Callum Robinson, Alan Browne, and Michael Obafemi.

Watford's Festy Ebosele who is on loan from Udinese is likely to be given the nod to start. He wasn't on the bench against England but was an unused sub against Greece, and having got a run of games together at the Hornets following a late move, he might come in to the manager's thinking.

The good news for Wolves is that Doherty can remain in Compton, and avoid picking up any injuries whilst away and out of the club's control. As for Doherty, it will come as a blow, as been capped 46 times for his country, and will want to reach a half century of caps sooner rather than later.

In September, Gary O'Neil filed a subtle warning to Doherty after Harvey Barnes was allowed to go past him to curl in Newcastle United’s winner at Molineux. O'Neil was furious as he allowed Harvey Barnes inside despite GON drilling in to his full-backs constantly to direct wingers wide. “The second goal I am really disappointed with,” he said to Sky Sports.

“We speak to the fullbacks every day about showing the wingers outside, all the time, literally every day since I’ve been here.

“Harvey Barnes is allowed to come inside and it’s a fantastic finish.”

Since the defeat to Newcastle, Doherty has only played in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, and that was at left-back. He was an unused substitute against Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Republic of Ireland squad

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)

Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).