Despite his recent improvement in game-time, journalist Pete O'Rourke doesn't believe that Antonio Conte trusts Tottenham right wing-back Matt Doherty.

The Republic of Ireland international was heavily used in January but has generally failed to make an impact since making the £15m move from Wolves 18 months ago.

What's the latest news involving Doherty?

Doherty's time at Tottenham has been strange to say the least. Not only is he on his fourth manager in under two seasons, but his role at the club remains unclear.

Signed by Jose Mourinho, he was meant to replace Serge Aurier, although the Ivorian ended up staying in North London and would remain as first-choice right-back last season, restricting Doherty to just 13 Premier League starts.

Aurier would end up leaving the following summer, but it became evident, even with his former boss Nuno Espirito Santo in charge, that Doherty wasn't seen as the number one right-sided player.

Therefore, Emerson Royal ended up joining from Barcelona and he's generally been Nuno and then Conte's first-choice.

But Royal's form has dipped of late, which has allowed Doherty to start four of the last five games in all competitions, including all three January meetings with Chelsea. Furthermore, Doherty produced an inspired display off the bench against Leicester to help Tottenham claim a crucial three points.

With Spurs failing to complete a deal to sign Adama Traore last month, the right wing-back spot is up for grabs, with Doherty and Royal set to battle it out for the rest of the season.

Regardless his upturn in fortunes, O'Rourke doesn't think that Conte is completely sold by the 30-year-old.

What did O'Rourke say about Doherty?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Doherty's been in and out in recent weeks, but I'm not sure Conte fully trusts him. If he had signed another right wing-back in January, that would have pushed him down the pecking order."

Does Doherty have a future at Tottenham?

Heading into the January window, it looked for all the world like Doherty wouldn't be a Spurs player come 11pm on deadline day.

But Spurs' failure to sign Traore, or any other right wing-back, appears to have given the former Wolves man a second chance to prove his worth. With Royal not exactly pulling up any trees and Doherty now playing in his best position, the next few months are likely to be make or break.

Some consistent performances could see him stay beyond this month, although more of what we've already seen will almost certainly end up with a summer departure.