Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Blues striker David McGoldrick will be handed his international debut in Tuesday’s friendly against the USA at the Aviva Stadium (Premier Sports, 7pm).

At a press conference this afternoon, the Irish boss announced that McGoldrick and fellow new recruit Cyrus Christie of Derby County will both start.

The paperwork relating to the duo’s qualification was completed earlier in the month and they joined up with the squad for the first time last week, but were unused subs in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland on Friday.

O'Neill says McGoldrick will operate in a 'number 10' role for his side and he has high hopes for him as an Irish player: "It's a big statement for me to make but I think he can be very good for us."

The Irish boss confirmed that McGoldrick’s Town strike partner Daryl Murphy will play some part and will win his 14th cap against Jurgen Klinsmann’s side, having also been an unused sub against Scotland.

Elsewhere, Christophe Berra - also not involved in Friday’s game - will hope to win his 29th cap when the Scots take on England in a friendly at Celtic Park (Sky Sports 1, Tuesday 7pm).

Tommy Smith is the only other senior Town player away on international duty. His New Zealand side take on Thailand in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old midfielder Adam McDonnell could win his second U19 cap when the Republic of Ireland face Switzerland in the final game of their European Championships qualification group in Waterford, also on Tuesday.

Both sides have already made it through to the next phase of qualification but Ireland will win the group if they beat the Swiss, who are currently top.

Closer to home, Town's U21s are in action against Barnsley at Playford Road on Tuesday afternoon (KO 1pm).

Photo: Action Images

dude added 17:51 - Nov 17 You've earned this Dids. Enjoy it!
1

NoCanariesAllowed added 17:56 - Nov 17 It begins... Best of luck, Didz. And if you can 'accidentally' slide off the side of the pitch and send Roy Keane flying at some point it would be much appreciated.
6

charsfield added 17:57 - Nov 17 please don't kick him americans
0

Ryorry added 18:06 - Nov 17 I find it incredible that this will be only his first cap?!
1

Marcus_Evans added 18:11 - Nov 17 Ryorry - he only became Irish 2 weeks ago!
5

Samassi100Abou added 19:05 - Nov 17 #topballer
0

Ryorry added 19:07 - Nov 17 Oh right 'Marcus Evans' - thanks for the info!
0

ArnieM added 19:17 - Nov 17 Go on Didsy....smack it in the back of the net! Oooooooh David McGoldrick.
2

Arthur added 19:33 - Nov 17 Good Luck / Enjoy Didz Please don't get yourself injured Ditto Murph
1

rfretwell added 20:28 - Nov 17 The pride of Anglia to supply Irelands strike force - pretty amazing stuff and history in the making! Just stay fit for Bournemouth please
3

emergencylime added 21:28 - Nov 17 Hmmm, €20, be rude not to go seeing as it's down the road...Anyone else on here going?
1

bohslegend added 22:05 - Nov 17 Yeo intercept12 I'll be there. Still trying to sort out a tricolour with big blue ITFC on it.
5

carsey added 22:16 - Nov 17 This is seriously bad news for ITFC as far as I am concerned with both McGoldrick and Murphy risking injury in a meaningless friendly when we need them fit for our push up the table. Also Berra possibly playing for Scotland vs England we could have 3 key players out. Hope I'm wrong.
0

Superblue95 added 00:16 - Nov 18 Intercept and bohslegend I will be there too. Might wear my Ipswich top now that Mcgoldrick is starting and Murphy could too, really looking forward to it
2

bluemikey100 added 07:15 - Nov 18 well done doddy mcgoldrick murphy gotta play as bang on form scorin for fun
0

Kirbmeister added 09:55 - Nov 18 Carsey - you're looking on the negative side a bit - McGoldrick's first cap and Berra playing against England - if they do get I jured then we'll just have to cope and get on with it. The squad spirit is very good and any replacements will have to do their stuff. I'm sure they'll be fine though.
1

dubblue added 11:47 - Nov 18 Hope all our internationals come through their games injury free. Whether we like it or not 'pointless' friendlies are part of the game. They are an opportunity for the likes of Didsy to show their worth and break into the first 11 for competitive matches. God know rugby union is continually playing meaningless friendlies and their sad supporters seem to lap it up. end of rant!

0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls