More praise for Doherty - January 8, 2001
Gary Doherty's star is shining at the moment but according to his manager, George Graham, he will get better and better.
The 20-year-old Irish defender/striker has come of age in a big way over the last couple of weeks. He made his full debut for Tottenham in their disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ipswich where he played up front and while George Graham was scathing about his team after that display he complimented Gary on the way he battled.
Doherty was then moved into the back three for the Newcastle game last week and starred for the Spurs. He scored, won a penalty and set up a goal as well as doing his defensive duties.
He was against used in defence in the FA Cup away to Leyton Orient on Saturday, scoring the only goal of the game to send Tottenham into the next round.
Graham said: "I thought young Gary Doherty was outstanding in the back three - not just because of the goal but he was coming out with the ball and looking very comfortable going forward. That was a big, big bonus.
"Gary has played three games for us this season, one at centre forward and now two at the back. He looks very comfortable on the ball, excellent in the air and he will get a lot better.
"I definitely see his future as a defender but he is talented and could go forward and play as a target man in an emergency.
"In the second half he was coming out superbly with the ball, really attacking. We didn't want to play for a draw but give credit to Orient, they pushed us back.
"I thought he pushed forward and made some great runs later in the game.
"We played as a three, Sol played left, Perry played middle and he played right and there is no reason why he can't stay there."