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Video: Matt Doherty signs new Wolves deal

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Matt Doherty has been handed a new contract with Wolves, potentially tying him to the club until 2019.

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The right-back's existing deal was due to expire at the end of this season.

But he has signed a three-year contract, with Wolves having the option of a fourth season.

The Irishman has been in and out of the side this season, competing for the right-back berth with Dominic Iorfa.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett said of the deal: "I am really pleased for Matt who was going into the last year of his contract.

"As I have said previously we do want to get things settled with players in that situation.

"Matt has got to battle for his place with the emergence of Dominic Iorfa but he gives us very good competition in that area.

"And, at 23 years of age, he is at a point in his career where we feel his best years are ahead of him."

Doherty is the latest player to earn a new deal, with Nouha Dicko, David Edwards and Jack Price having had their futures secured over the summer.

Kevin McDonald, James Henry and Scott Golbourne are among a number of players whose deals remain due to expire next summer, as well as Aaron McCarey and Tommy Rowe.

Doherty has made 81 appearances and scored two goals in his time at Wolves.

Recruitment chief Kevin Thelwell said: "Matt has been with us a long time and is part of what we are trying to do going forwards.

"He knows the club inside out and we see it as a really positive move to get him tied up for at least the next three years."

Doherty made his debut in January 2011 against Doncaster and has spent time on loan at Hibernian and Bury.

He established himself in the Wolves side under Dean Saunders in 2013 and has featured regular over the past two seasons.

The Irishman said he was delighted with the deal, and added: "Talks had been going on since before the summer and we have finally agreed and committing my future to Wolves is something I have wanted to do. I wanted to stay at Wolves and am glad that the club wanted me to stay as well.

"At the moment I feel quite good and have played a few games up until Saturday.

"It's a very good battle with Dom (Iorfa) now to see who plays. I feel like I am very involved here now having been here for a few years.

"I actually feel slightly more experienced now because although I am young I have played more games than a lot of the other lads."

Doherty joined as an 18-year-old, moving from Irish club Bohemians after impressing then manager Mick McCarthy in a friendly against Wolves.

"I played for 55 minutes up against Matt Jarvis and thought I did okay although nothing special," Doherty said.

"I was then invited for a trial and we played against Cheltenham and I still remember it like it was last week – I did alright and got signed a few weeks later.

"Ever since then I have been up and down the leagues and went on loan to Bury and to Hibs to get experience.

"It worked out because I have been involved in the first team for a few years and have loved every bit of it."

Doherty is now striving for Premier League football with Wolves.

And the right back feel confident the team have it within their power to win promotion this season.

He said: "I was the same last year and the same when we were in League One that I began the season thinking we had a good chance of getting promoted.

"We have a good enough squad to do it.

"We do all the hard work and preparation in training during the week and then it is about doing it on Saturday which is where it counts.

"We need to get a few wins on the board to raise our confidence and then I think we can be right up there by the end."