John O'Shea has claimed that the decision to bring Matt Doherty back into the Ireland fold was straightforward.
Doherty, who came under fire for his displays in the September Nations League games, was left out of the October window and this one. However, due to injuries, Doherty is back for the final Nations League fixtures against Finland and England.
The 32-year-old was seen by many as someone who had played his last game for his country, but according to O'Shea, Doherty's callup back into the Ireland camp wasn't a difficult decision for the Ireland coaches and manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson.
"The boss would have spoken to Matt, and it was straightforward," said O'Shea to RTE in Dublin this morning.
"Like I mentioned in terms of that experience that's needed around the group, he's one of the elder statesmen as well, and it's important to have that experience of lads who have been around the group for a long time.
"It's getting the balance right and trying the newer players in different positions, etc., getting the balance of that right over the next few games and seeing what happens with the draw and planning going forward."
Matt Doherty of Republic of Ireland (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Ireland had a famous and much-needed win against Finland in Helsinki last month. O'Shea now wants the Boys in Green to control games from the off when it comes to future games. O'Shea believes that doing this will give the team a much-needed boost.
"The big thing would be to take control of games earlier if we can," added O'Shea.
"Not to obviously go behind in games, to need to have more freedom in our play, to be more expressive and stronger in our play right from the start of games.
"Psychologically making sure you're on the front foot right from the off and not needing a setback to fire the system up.
"Ultimately building on a lot of positives, as well. You obviously have to look at all aspects and there are areas we know we can improve."
Ireland is set to welcome Finland to Dublin on Thursday, November 14, with kick-off at 7:45 pm at the Aviva Stadium, before playing England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, November 17, with kick-off at 5 pm.
Republic of Ireland Squad: Finland & England
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Matt Dotherty (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Ryan Manning (Southampton), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), and Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City). Jake O'Brien (Everton)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Andy Moran (Stoke City, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion).
Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tom Cannon (Stoke City, on loan from Leicester City), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar), Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion).
Fixtures: UEFA Nations League
14/11: Ireland vs. Finland, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
17/11: England vs. Ireland, Wembley Stadium,
See More: Football, Ireland, Matt Doherty
