Spurs facing anxious wait over Doherty

Tottenham hope that Gary Doherty will be fit for selection against Chelsea on Saturday after he was carried off in the Republic of Ireland's 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road.

Doherty, earning his 23rd cap with his first start at the back for his country instead of his usual striking role, was carried off in the 68th minute after hurting his ankle. However, coach Brian Kerr said: "Gary's ankle was quite sore after the game but I don't think it is very serious."

Doherty had earlier headed against the post but the Irish had his Spurs team-mate Robbie Keane to thank for the win with his injurytime strike.

Keane believes the Republic have restored their reputation for being able to take on the best teams in the world.

Ireland followed last month's 0-0 draw against Brazil with another morale-boosting performance and, after failing to qualify for Euro 2004, it shows they are back on the right track ahead of the start of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers later this year.

"The Brazil game showed we can cope with the best in the world and this game shows we can beat them," said Keane. "This is a confidenceboosting win for us."

Ireland's win brought to an end the Czech Republic's 20-match unbeaten run and Chelsea's Damien Duff added: "It would have been a sin if they got the draw. It was a great result and it bodes well for the future."

Keane's winner was his 19th goal for his country and Kerr said the striker had played at times "at a different level" from his team-mates.