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Doherty has been capped at U15, U16, U19 and U21 level. Lorraine O'Sullivan/INPHO
Nap Happy

'I was too tired to answer my phone so went back to sleep' - Doherty on first Ireland call-up

The Wolves full-back woke to ‘millions of texts’ congratulating him on the news.

MATT DOHERTY MISSED the news that he had received his first call-up to Ireland’s senior squad — because he was in need of a nap.

The 24-year-old full-back, who is comfortable on either side, has been progressing in the Championship with Wolves this season and scored a stunning goal back in January before bagging the winner against Bristol City last weekend.

Having represented Ireland at U15, U16, U19 and U21, the former Belvedere schoolboy was today named in Martin O’Neill’s provisional 40-man panel for this month’s friendlies with Switzerland and Slovakia.

However, after a tough double training session, he chose not to answer his phone this afternoon and eventually got wind after later reading texts from well-wishers.

“It’s not really hit me yet because I was half asleep,” Doherty told Belvederefc.com.

“I heard my phone ringing and I was too tired to even answer it so I went back to sleep. Then I woke up to millions of texts and that on my phone.”

“We had a double session on Friday morning so I was tired. I’ve just been replying to people, but yeah I’m very happy and for my family too.

I still have two games for Wolves before the squad meet up so I won’t think too much about Ireland until then. It’s a provisional 40 man squad too and obviously I’ll want to be in the main squad.”

On his own performances for Kenny Jackett’s team this season, he added: “My form has been at a good level for Wolves recently, you are always going to be surprised when the phone actually does ring for a senior call up but I feel I’ve been playing well in the Championship and am really happy that Martin O’Neill and his staff have noticed that.“

“I’ve never been in the senior squad so I’m not really sure what to expect. I can’t really judge it off U21s or U19s as it’s a completely different ball game at senior level so I’ll just have to wait and see but of course the aim is to be in the squad for the games.”

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