Republic of Ireland star Matt Doherty has opened up about his relationship with manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, insisting it's on solid ground despite previous tensions.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender didn't hide his frustration after being left out of the squad last October, especially when centre-back Andrew Omobamidele was chosen to play right-back in the September clash with Greece.
But having been brought back into the fold for the Nations League games in November and now selected for the crucial play-off against Bulgaria, Doherty seems to have put any issues behind him.
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In a press conference before Thursday's first leg in Plovdiv, Doherty said: "I stand by the comments I made at the time. It was a long time ago and a lot has kind of passed since then.
"At the moment we have a good relationship and everything seems to be fine. We haven't spoken too much. We cleared things up I think the last time I was in camp, so everything seems fine now."
Doherty also touched on dealing with criticism: "When it comes to criticism, I don't care too much about the criticism.
"I did an interview a few weeks ago where I said I would rather take the criticism over some of the younger players. I know I'm able to handle the criticism, so that's fine."
He concluded by reflecting on his desire to always be part of the national team: "You want to be in every squad as a player, it's natural to think that. Obviously I was disappointed at the time, which I said, but I have managed to work my way back in."
Ireland assistant manager John O'Shea has heaped praise on Matt Doherty, who has been a constant in the squad since Vitor Pereira's takeover at Wolves. O'Shea remarked: "It's straightforward, once Matt is playing and playing well, it's the key," and pointed out, "He'll know that himself – he's a totally different animal when he's playing football."
He further noted Doherty's importance to the team, saying, "You can see that now, when playing for Wolves. When we have that Matt, he's always going to be in this squad – simple as that."
O'Shea's considerations are part of Ireland's strategy to remain in League B of the Nations League, fending off Bulgaria, who are eager to claim their spot. As preparations continue, the second leg of the play-off is set for Dublin this coming Sunday.
Injury updates have come through as well, with Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone and Cardiff's Callum O'Dowda pulling out from the Irish squad. To fill the gaps, Stoke midfielder Andrew Moran and Southampton left-back Ryan Manning have been summoned.
