Doherty thrilled with United test

The goalkeeper replaced Gary Rogers on 70 minutes and only conceded one goal in the 7-1 hammering Sir Alex Ferguson men's dished out.

"The whole experience has been out of this world," he said.

"I was delighted to come on as it was a brilliant experience and you can't be disappointed if you come on against Man United, no matter if it's for two minutes, 20 minutes or 90 minutes.

"Since we came down on Monday, everything has been so professional, it has just been a replica with what the Republic of Ireland do and the FAI promised us that and down to a T it was like that.

"The hotel, the facilities and everything was top notch and you can't complain about anything."

Although St Pat's net-minder Rogers conceded six goals, Doherty only let in one goal and he was a little disappointed that United changed their penalty taker from Dimitar Berbatov to Nani.

"I went the wrong way for the penalty; I seen United hit a penalty in another pre-season friendly were Berbatov hit, but then Nani stepped up and took the ball off him I wasn't sure were he was going to go, so it was a bit of a guessing game.

"But overall I was just delighted to come on and play my part in the game."

The former TNS keeper also was slightly disappointed that Damien Richardson didn't give him at least 45 minutes of the historic friendly, which was played in front of over 49,000 supporters, but he did admitted that some red tape like situation meant he had to sit on the bench until 70 minutes.

"I was expecting to get a half to be honest but Damien wasn't sure if something had have happened to me, would Gary been allowed back on and that was his thinking about it anyway whenever I had a chat to him and I don't think he could get it sorted out before the game.

"Either way I have been lucky enough to have played in a couple of big games like Manchester City and Liverpool, but to be one of the first people to play at the new national stadium, is a really proud moment for me."

In the closing minutes the 28-year-old shot-stopper saw Nani's thunderous strike, which came back off his crossbar and he jokingly stated he got his finger tips to the Portuguese winger's effort at goal.

"I saw it at the last minute and I just tried to react as best as I could and if the replays don't show it then I'll tell everyone I tipped it onto the bar," joked Doherty.