'You can tell' - Chris Wilder makes Matt Doherty admission after making Sheffield United debut
Matt Doherty made his first appearance in Sheffield United colours in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Rotherham United.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has admitted that Matt Doherty has not moved to Bramall Lane simply to make up the numbers, backing him to compete with Femi Seriki for the right-back spot.
The Republic of Ireland international made his first appearance for the Blades on Saturday, coming off the bench in the second half to help them secure a 2–0 victory over Rotherham United at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
Doherty, who was unveiled as United's third signing of the summer transfer window last Monday evening, replaced Seriki with just under 20 minutes remaining. United were already two goals ahead at the time of his introduction, thanks to goals from Tahith Chong and Callum O'Hare either side of half-time.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, 34, has been drafted in to strengthen United’s right-back department and add some much-needed experience to the squad. Wilder has made no secret of his desire to add some older heads to his squad over the past few months.
Doherty, who won promotion from the Championship with Wolves in 2018, is a vastly experienced operator, meaning he will give United an alternative option to Seriki at right-back.
Although the latter is expected to start the upcoming season as the Blades' first-choice right-back, Wilder is not expecting Doherty to simply sit back and be patient. Instead, he believes the Republic of Ireland international will push Seriki for a starting berth.
Reflecting on Doherty's first outing in United colours, Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I think you can tell from the off that he is a great technician, a good old pro, makes really good decisions, and he is not going to be a back-up because he is going to push.
“He is great competition for Femi.”
Following his recent arrival in S2, Doherty outlined his intention to support United's younger players as much as possible, while also admitting that he wants to be competitive in the battle for a starting place in Wilder's XI.
He told the Blades’ YouTube channel: “I’m one of the older players now, obviously, maybe even the oldest! What I can bring is a lot of experience and a lot of help for the younger players, especially in positions that I’ve played in.
“I can obviously compete against them, but if it’s their day, then I can help them get through a game or certain situations. So yes, I’m here to compete and I’m here to play, but I’m also here to help.”