It is a role Doherty has become accustomed to at Norwich since an August transfer from Tottenham, but he is determined to cement a place at his preferred position of centre-back.

Doherty is hoping indications from Canaries manager Nigel Worthington that he will soon be deployed at the heart of the defence come true.

But for Ireland, he is happy to strike a chord up front, as he said: “I think when I go back to Norwich he [Worthington] will start to play me a bit more at centre-half.

“I definitely went there as a centre-half, but they have been using me up front. For managers to use me like that, it’s something I like because it gives them options.

“Nigel said he wanted to play me up there because they’ve never really had a target man at the club, so that’s where I’ve had to play. It’s the manager’s decision in the end.

“For Ireland, the easiest route for me to get more caps is as a centre-forward, and if it does mean more caps, all well and good for me.

“But for Norwich I do just want to be a centre-half. I know the manager bought me for options and if I can keep playing in the two positions and to a decent standard that’s good.

“In the end, though, you do want to buckle down to one position and I will have to wait and see how it goes.

“It’s something I’ve got to sort out because I do want to be a centre-half at Norwich, and it’s something I’m going to strive for when I get back.

“There’s a suggestion from him [Worthington] he will now change that.”

Doherty has 28 caps to his name for Ireland, but has so far played just six minutes of the current qualifying campaign, that as a late substitute for Morrison in the 1-1 draw in Switzerland last month.

Understandably, Doherty is eager to face the Faroes, but appreciates Kerr may name the side that finished Saturday’s goalless draw against France in Paris, with winger Andy Reid playing in behind Robbie Keane in attack.

“If Brian wants to play with a target man then fine, and hopefully he will choose me,” added Doherty.

“But I thought Reidy did really well when he came on. It was a difficult game to come on to because away in Paris was always going to be a hard fixture.

“I’m sure the two of us will be hoping we can play. I know I’m like every other player, I just want to play.

“But we’ve a really strong first 11 and it’s up to the rest of us to try and change Brian’s mind with our performances when we do get on the pitch and in training.”

Doherty’s last goals of the four he has scored for Ireland were now 16 months ago in a 2-0 home win over Georgia, but Kerr feels the 24-year-old will not let him down if called upon.

“I know the question of his role has been posed to him and me before,” said Kerr.

“I think he went to Norwich thinking he would play as a centre-half, but his first game against Manchester United they brought him on as a striker with 25 minutes to go.

“He played well and was very effective and they’ve ended up keeping him there. From my own point of view that’s beneficial, but when he’s played centre-half for us he has also played very well.

“I know on Saturday it was a tight call as to whether I brought him on when Clinton went off.

“But he has scored vital goals for us in the past, so we know he can do a job [up front].”