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Wolves' Matt Doherty: Anything possible if we go up

Matt Doherty believes 'anything is possible' next season if Wolves win promotion – and has labelled criticism from their rivals as 'pathetic'.

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Wolves are a maximum of just four wins from promotion with eight games to go and fans are already dreaming of how their team could fare in the Premier League.

Doherty, fresh from finally winning his first cap for the Republic of Ireland on Friday, is excited about Wolves' future.

He said: "I think anything is possible (next season).

"The backing they have from the Chinese owners is incredible. I wouldn’t be surprised if they spend a lot of money in the summer if we go up.

"Not that we need to, I think our squad now could do well anyway. But the Premier League, everyone is desperate to stay there, so they probably will splash a bit of cash.

"Without being cocky, we’ve just been the best. Even the boys here agree we’ve been the best. Credit to the manager and the players they’ve brought in.

"They’re all down-to-earth guys with no egos and that’s considering they’ve come from good clubs such as Porto and Atletico."

Wolves have come under attack from fellow Championship clubs Villa and Leeds, with Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani questing the legality of Fosun's relationship with agent Jorge Mendes when it comes to the club's transfer dealings.

But Doherty countered: "We know what the deal is, we know there is nothing going on.

"Some of the stuff they’re complaining about is pathetic really. Even Neil Warnock came out and backed us up and he would be one you’d think would be firmly on top of it.

"They’re trying anything to get some points off us. But we’ve done our talking on the pitch — we’re 13 points clear of third.

"The clubs talking are those behind us who are slipping up. They should have other things to worry about."

Doherty made his international bow on Friday when appearing as a 63rd minute substitute during Ireland's 1-0 defeat at Turkey.

After being called up several times but not playing it was a proud moment for the 26-year-old.

"Growing up, everyone wants to play for their country," he said.

"I've been in a few times now and I feel comfortable in the surroundings. I know most of the lads now. It's a big start for me now.

"It's never easy for anyone coming off the bench and picking up the pace of the game, but I really enjoyed it, it went quick.

"The way I play with my club is with intensity and getting forward and I tried to put myself around. I got into a few decent positions.

"There are a lot of new players in the squad and it is an opportunity. Anyone who is playing well should see it as an opportunity to get in.

"It helps that I’m playing in a team which looks like it will be playing in the Premier League next season. We've got eight games left and we’re in a really strong position.

"That gives you a lot of confidence playing in a team full of very good players."