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Matt Doherty was not selected for the Republic of Ireland squad in October Republic of Ireland defender Matt Doherty says he has a "good relationship" with Heimir Hallgrimsson despite his criticism of the manager last year. Doherty, 33, publicly expressed frustration with his omission from the squad for the Nations League games against Finland and Greece in October. The Wolves man was a late call-up for the return contest against Finland and game against England the next month and has again been included in the squad for this week's Nations League play-off against Bulgaria. "I stand by the comments I made at the time. It was a long time ago and a lot has kind of passed since then, " said the former Tottenham Hotspur player. "At the moment we have a good relationship and everything seems to be fine. We haven't spoken too much. "We cleared things up I think the last time I was in camp, so everything seems fine now. " Doherty won his 48th cap when he started the game against Finland in November, although he was an unused substitute in the 5-0 defeat by England. He added: "You want to be in every squad as a player, it's natural to think that. "Obviously I was disappointed at the time, which I said, but I have managed to work my way back in. " Since Vitor Pereira took over as manager of Wolves in December, Doherty has been regularly featuring on the right-hand side of a back three and has started the club's last 16 Premier League games. Republic of Ireland assistant manager John O'Shea says Doherty is a "totally different animal" with minutes under his belt. "It's straightforward, once Matt is playing and playing well, it's the key, " said the former Manchester United defender. "He'll know that himself, he's a totally different animal when he's playing football. "You can see that now when playing for Wolves. When we have that Matt, he's always going to be in this squad - simple as that. " 'The party's not over yet' - inside Newcastle's celebrations 'Nervous Mc Ilroy's Players win sets him up perfectly for Masters tilt' Man Utd fans 'disappointed' by season ticket price increase Stacey Dooley explores Britain’s shoplifting epidemic Uncovering the dark side of football hooliganism Preview an upcoming epic crime saga starring Sean Bean Wind your way through the twisty history of noodles The 'rugby student' stepping up to lead Ireland Pre-contract agreements - why are they different in NI? Record-breaker Dunlop 'breaks mould' of modern sporting heroes Meet Jude Mc Atamney - the New York Giants kicker from Derry 'The party's not over yet' - inside Newcastle's celebrations 'Nervous Mc Ilroy's Players win sets him up perfectly for Masters tilt' I was close to dying in car crash - Antonio Second Serve: Your new weekly tennis briefing Getting through groundhog day - how Draper became Masters champion Howe turns up 'drenched' to news conference after cup win. Video Howe turns up 'drenched' to news conference after cup win Intensity, team photos & fatherly advice: Inside Howe's Newcastle Five talking points from final round of Six Nations Cowan-Dickie's tap tackle in Six Nations final week's best moments. Video Cowan-Dickie's tap tackle in Six Nations final week's best moments Why has derby tide turned for Rodgers and Celtic? 'Copybook victory as Norris and Mc Laren come through chaos unscathed' 'I have not seen that complete an England performance for years' 'French rugby's Belle Epoque is only just beginning' Ruthless France beat Scotland to win Six Nations title. Video Ruthless France beat Scotland to win Six Nations title Has Tuchel's first squad revealed England's short-term strategy? Hampson on paralysing injury, helping others and England pride, 20 years on Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.