Doherty, who shed nearly a stone over the summer, figured in the 1-1 draw with Coventry at the weekend after being frozen out for the Premiership run-in. However, the 25-year-old did not do much to suggest that he will hold onto his place when Jason Shackell reaches full fitness. The former Tottenham and Luton player, who has also played as a striker for club and country, lost his marker for Coventry's equaliser, gave away a number of free kicks, and was also booked.
Manager Nigel Worthington explained today that youngster Shackell had not featured because he is still short of fitness following an illness over the summer. If he can recover anything like the form he showed last season, Doherty could find himself back on the bench.
In the meantime, the Irishman can look forward to pulling on a green jersey for his country against the likes of Francesco Totti and new AC Milan signing Alberto Gilardino, which should prove a more than sufficient workout for the trip to Southampton three days later.
The Republic's next competitive game is at home to France on 7th September as they bid to qualify for the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. If selected, Gary could face Zinedine Zidane and Claude Makelele, who both announced that they would come out of international retirement last week, as well anyone from a selection of Thierry Henry, Djibril Cisse and David Trezeguet. In the meantime, he has the visit of Crewe to look forward to before engaging England wannabe and penalty specialist Andy Johnson at Carrow Road on Saturday.