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Gary Breen's verdict on Coleman-Doherty debate

Gary Breen believes Mick McCarthy shouldn't rule out another Seamus Coleman-Matt Doherty partners...
Raf Diallo
Raf Diallo

22.10 25 Mar 2019


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Gary Breen's verdict on Coleman-Doherty debate


Raf Diallo
Raf Diallo

22.10 25 Mar 2019


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The right side did not function well against Gibraltar

Gary Breen believes Mick McCarthy shouldn't rule out another Seamus Coleman-Matt Doherty partnership on the right flanks.

The Ireland duo feature as right-backs and right wing-backs for Everton and Wolves respectively.

But Ireland manager Mick McCarthy tried to fit both into his team to face Gibraltar.

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The experiment was not a resounding success given the similar styles of both players who prefer to attack from deep.

Breen joined us on Off The Ball ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifier against Georgia. And while he acknowledges the right-side experiment did not work, he feels it shouldn't be completely ruled out.

"I think it can work"

"I don't think it worked particularly well. But I don't think it's something we should just throw out the window," he said.

"I think it can work. But ultimately, the problem you have is that for someone like Doherty is used to operating all down that flank in his own space for Wolves.

"He's never going to get anyone over-lapping or under-lapping him. And obviously our captain [Coleman], that's his strength, bombing on. But I think too often in doing so, he actually blocked the areas Matt Doherty wants to play in."

But Breen added: "I still think there is a place for both of them in the team on that right side."

You can watch Breen's full chat above via our YouTube channel.


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Euro 2020 Football Gary Breen Georgia Gibraltar Ireland Off The Ball Soccer

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