Matt Doherty, Callum Robinson, Alan Browne and Jake O'Brien have all been cut from the Ireland squad to play Finland and Greece
Matt Doherty didn’t take the news well but deep down he can’t be too shocked that Heimir Hallgrimsson axed him from the Ireland squad.
But this is the new boss showing his first glimpse of a ruthless side, with Doherty paying the price for a series of underwhelming performances in green. The Icelander stressed how the FAI have tasked him with World Cup 2026 qualification but noted there were a lack of games where he could tinker with options.
Of the phone conversation he had with Doherty, Hallgrimsson continued: “I will not give up what a personal call was about. "Séamus and Matt have been, for many years, our best fullbacks but they will not be playing forever. We’re looking at possible fullbacks for the future.” Jack Taylor’s dribbling and ball carrying threat at Ipswich Town was also favoured by Hallgrimsson, with Will Smallbone ruled out with injury.
As with Doherty, Hallgrimsson admits some players took the news of their demotion better than others, adding: “They’re all eager to play for Ireland.
Matt Doherty Heimir Hallgrimsson
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