DAY AT HAMPDEN A DECADE AFTER CUP WOE
“It could not have gone worse,” smiled Doherty as he recalled the 2012 final.
“I had a tough game and we obviously lost the Edinburgh derby 5-1 in the end.
“Was I booked? Thanks for reminding me!
Tough
“That was pretty tough but I was young then. When you’re young like that you kind of just forget about it once it was over. I learned a lot from that long spell.”
This weekend’s game will see Doherty go head to head with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney with the former Celtic star switching to that position from central defence due to Andy Robertson’s injury.
“I played against him at the Emirates a couple of years back for Tottenham and it was pretty tough game.
Played
“They played well and he played quite well that day. I know what his strengths are and what he brings to the table. Then again, he needs to know if I play, what I bring to the table as well. So I think it could be a pretty good battle if we start.”
Doherty has played just 10 minutes from the bench for Spurs this term — partly due to his summer recovery from his end of season injury issues — which underlines the pressures for Irish players in the Premier League.
Only Gavin Bazunu and Nathan Collins are first choices, with Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy, Conor Ronan,
Darren Randolph and Conor Coventry on the bench, although Mark Travers did commence the campaign in goal for Bournemouth.
“It’s extremely difficult for Irish players but you just have to believe in your own ability and I think that is one of my strengths.
“I have always believed that I was good enough to be where I am.”