Express & Star

Matt Doherty wakes up to national call

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It's probably the last thing you expect to happen when you're settling down for an afternoon nap.

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Matt Doherty was not-so rudely awaken this afternoon to hear that he'd been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

The 24-year-old, arguably in the form of his Wolves career in recent weeks, is on a provisional 40-man list for the home friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia on March 25 and 29.

And while clearly delighted with the news, Doherty doesn't want to get ahead of himself before the squad is cut down ahead of the two games.

Of hearing about the call-up he said: "I had got back after a double training session and was having a bit of a nap.

"And then my phone started going off all the time so I knew something was happening!

"I have spoken to my family and a few other people since hearing the news.

"I know it's only a provisional squad at the moment but it's my first call-up to any senior squad so obviously I am delighted.

"It is great news and the aim now has to be to get into the full squad.

"Once you are named in a provisional squad it is only natural to try and get into the main one and that is what I will be working towards.

"I do feel I am playing well at the moment but I have to keep that going.

"I probably would never have said I would feel this comfortable playing at left back but it has given me a different dimension to my game.

"But I am firmly focused on Wolves for now and trying to play well and help the team in Sunday's game against Birmingham."