Striker David McGoldrick expects boss Mick McCarthy to give him a big hug on his return to Ipswich after his two-assist debut for the Republic of Ireland. McGoldrick played the first 77 minutes of Ireland’s 4-1 friendly victory over the USA at the Aviva Stadium.

Asked what the former Ireland manager's reaction would be when he returned to the Blues, McGoldrick said: “He’ll give me a big hug, I know he will! He’s a top man, he’ll give me a hug and say ‘Well done’.

“He texted me before the game saying ‘All the best’ and I’ve not looked at my phone but I’m sure he’ll have sent me a text to say ‘Well done’ as well.”

The 26-year-old was delighted to finally make his Ireland debut after a lengthy period establishing his qualification.

“It was great to go out there,” he said. “It’s been a long time waiting for the clearance to go through and for it to have gone through and to have played 77 minutes is a great feeling.”

McGoldrick, who was partnered up front by his Town team-mate Daryl Murphy, was delighted to be involved in Ireland’s first two goals, even if he might have preferred to have scored on his debut.

“I’m confident in my ability,” he added. “I’d rather get two goals, but two assists and the win is good, and playing with the boys. There were some great players in the team today and it was a great experience.”

Reflecting on those assists, he said: “I got the ball off Anthony Pilkington for the first one and he’s carried on his run and then I’ve played it through to him and it was a great finish.

“Robbie [Brady] was coming round on the overlap and I cut it back to him and was a great finish again. It was a really nice feeling to get those two assists and the boys appreciated it.”

McGoldrick says he’s keen to score his first international goal but isn’t taking selection for the next squad for granted.

“A first goal would be nice and hopefully it won’t be too long,” he added. “But obviously I’m taking my time, I need to make the squad next time. There are good players here and I’m not taking anything for granted.”

Photo: Action Images

wessextractorboy added 02:39 - Nov 19 Well done Didzy. Can't remember the last time two tractor boys lead the line internationally.
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arc added 04:18 - Nov 19 Wessextractorboy: second half of England away to Luxembourg, autumn 1977, Trevor Whymark on a sub to partner Paul Mariner: http://www.englandstats.com/matches.php?mid=516
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jabberjackson added 07:09 - Nov 19 Eric gates played as well Plus Osman and Butcher The spine of the team
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Suffolk_n_Good added 07:12 - Nov 19 "STATTO, STATTO, STATTO!!" :)
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brian_a_mul added 09:01 - Nov 19 Two absolute amazing passes and he was under pressure from the opposition for both. Check them out! I think McGoldrick could be the key to unlocking the Irish attack. He could be a great partner for Shane Long over the next 4+ years. His ability to drop deeper and get on the ball has been really lacking from the Irish team for a long time now. He can play up front as a striker or play in behind two strikers. He gives Ireland some fantastic options, ahh sure we all knew this for a while now anyway!!

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Superblue95 added 10:51 - Nov 19 Was at the match and didzy was brilliant both assists were top class. Murphy had good moments in the game too but his appearance will probably be remembered for his miss from 2 yards which is a shame. Overall thought they linked up well together as we would expect
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Paulblue62 added 17:13 - Nov 19 Amazing debut for Didzy. Great performance. Showed the rest of the world what we already knew. Top performance from a top player.
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Paulc added 19:01 - Nov 19 Should have refused to play at the AVIVA stadium on principal!
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miltonsnephew added 08:57 - Nov 20 JOSE MOURINHO SEES TYRONE MINGS As JOHN TERRYS LONG TERM REPLACEMENT IN THE PAPER TODAY!!!!! ALL VERY EXCITING IF TRUE !!!! WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL PLAYER ON OUR HANDS!!
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