By Paul Doyleand Paul O'Hehir
Gary Doherty was today called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday¿s friendly international against the United States at Lansdowne Road.
The versatile Tottenham player replaces striker Niall Quinn who sustained a neck injury in Sunderland's 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
"He [Doherty] was very much in the fold earlier in the campaign and then it seemed like his opportunity was dashed by injury," explained manager Mick McCarthy, "but he is back in the first team squad at Tottenham now and we will see what happens between now and mid-May [when McCarthy will announce the 23 players to travel to Japan].
Many observers think the fact that Doherty can play both in defence and up front enhances his chances of making that squad but the manager this afternoon pointed out that "versatility can sometimes be a bonus but sometimes detrimental."
"There is a case for saying that players should concentrate on being a master of one position rather than useful in several. So while being versatile doubles your chances of getting a game, maybe, it halves your chances of nailing down a spot," said McCarthy.