THERE WAS GOOD news for Ipswich fans last night as David McGoldrick made his long-awaited return from injury.
McGoldrick, who has been out of action since tearing his hamstring during a training session back in December, completed 90 minutes for the Tractor Boys’ U21 side in their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Portman Road.
The 29-year-old striker set up the equaliser for another Irish player — ex-Shels youngster Adam McDonnell — in what was an encouraging display in front of boss Mick McCarthy.
Reporting on the match, Stuart Watson of the East Anglian Daily Times wrote that McGoldrick “improved as the game wore on” and added:
“Midway through the second period he began to really hit his stride and a modest crowd was treated to a few flicks and silky footwork.
Not only did he complete the 90 minutes, but he finished at full-tilt and showed he was willing to get stuck in with one late charge back and perfectly-timed lunging tackle.”
McGoldrick’s return is a welcome boost for Ipswich, who are currently four points off the Championship play-off places.
The Nottingham-born former Notts County and Southampton striker has featured in several Ireland squads since discovering he was eligible to play for the Boys in Green in 2014.
He impressed on his debut for Ireland in a November 2014 4-1 friendly win over USA and also played in the first half of the 0-0 friendly draw with England last June.
McGoldrick is considered an outside contender for Ireland’s Euro 2016 squad, though Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Daryl Murphy, Jon Walters and possibly Kevin Doyle all appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order for a place up front in Martin O’Neill’s squad currently.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
