Derry City boss Declan Devine says he's amazed that City keeper Ger Doherty has been ignored by Northern Ireland at international level.

Doherty starred for Derry last season and was voted as goalkeeper of the year by the Airtricity Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland last week -- and Derry fans will be relieved that the former Derby County player has signed a new deal with the Brandywell club.

Now aged 30, Doherty was capped once by the Republic at U18 level in 1999 but has repeatedly been mentioned as a possible Northern Ireland recruit -- and Derry boss Devine would love to see Doherty get recognised by the North's international side.

"He continues to work hard on the training ground and the challenge for him now is to repeat last season's success and, hopefully, gain international honours," said Devine. "It never ceases to amaze me that Maik Taylor, now aged 40 years, has returned to the Northern Ireland team with Gerard's performances last season not even recognised.

"He's been a quality goalkeeper for so many years and people really need to sit up and take notice and give him the honour he deserves."