Tottenham inspuration is still alive

and get two games in,” explained Doherty.

“He kind of said in his press conference that I would be available after the international break fully for selection. That’s kind of the plan - if Stephen obeys him!”

Royal’s inclusion in Conte’s (above) side has not caused Doherty any concern.

He added: “I’m not frustrated. I understand where the manager is coming from, where he thought my fitness was and he was right at the end of the day.

“I know that he trusts me, I know that once I’m back again, he knows what I can do for him.

“Once he thinks I’m available, I’m sure he’ll give me more time.”

Doherty and Seamus Coleman have vied for the right-wingback slot since Kenny took charge two years ago but Coleman’s own injury issues and lack of game time at Everton mean that Doherty will probably slip ahead of him in the defensive pecking order.

And despite the fact Doherty’s last start was against Aston Villa in early April – when he suffered the injury – he feels fully capable of winning his 30th senior cap.

He continued: “I feel ready to start. We train really hard at club level and if you’re not starting games, you’re ready to start, even if you’re not coming off the bench.

“It probably took a little bit longer than expected. I was pretty much available all of pre-season but wasn’t moving that well.

“But in the last three or four weeks I’ve felt back to where I was in training.

“I’ve just been doing things more off the cuff and not having to do think about them, find my confidence in training.

“I’m kind of chomping at the bit. We train really hard at club level so I think fitness won’t be an issue going into the two games for me.”