'A great honour' - Doherty handed armband for Latvia encounter

Matt Doherty has been handed the captain's armband for Wednesday night’s international friendly against Latvia.

The Atletico Madrid defender will lead the team out for the first time under the lights at the Aviva Stadium, with the manager recognising the character that Doherty has shown throughout Stephen Kenny’s time in charge of the national side.

Doherty has been a vocal supporter of the manager throughout his up and down tenure and that loyalty has now been repaid.

An unexpected yet welcome gesture for the Dublin man who has been lacking game time at his new club in Spain, and is set to use the opportunity to cement his place in the side for Monday’s all-important Euro 2024 qualifying clash with France.

The midweek encounter is being used to prepare the squad for the arrival of the World Cup beaten finalists, and while the manager has said it is a game that they are looking to win, he stressed that it is primarily being used to put vital minutes on the board for some of his squad, including Doherty, who have been lacking gametime at their clubs.

With Doherty wearing the armband, it would suggest that regular skippers Seamus Coleman and John Egan will sit this one out, as both players played at the weekend and will be managed with France in mind.

"I got told this morning, and for me, it’s obviously a pleasure, a great honour," said Doherty.

"I’ve obviously never done it before so when Stephen told me, I was a bit surprised, I didn’t expect it. I’ve to thank him for doing that, I know he believes in me a lot.

"Even though I’ve not been playing that well, he’s always kept in contact and I guess he knows that when I’ve played, I’ve never let him down. That will be the same case again, and hopefully I can do him proud."

A free