Blues manager Mick McCarthy says striker David McGoldrick believes he “owes us a turn” having missed most of the end of the last two seasons due to injuries.

The 27-year-old’s 2013/14 was curtailed by a knee problem sustained in the February, while the Ireland international was sidelined with a troublesome thigh injury last season, again picked up in the February. He finally returned as a late sub in the second leg of the play-off semi-final at Norwich.

Having been away with the Irish squad, he was given an additional two weeks off and returned to full training last week.

“He trained with me [last] Monday and I think that was the first time because I was joking with him, ‘Face looks familiar, can’t remember the name’, all that," McCarthy joked.

[The Cambridge friendly on Tuesday was] the first bit he’s done and he looks pretty sharp.”

McCarthy has previously commented that 2015/16 is a big season for McGoldrick, which he says is how the player himself feels about the campaign ahead rather than his own opinion.

“That wasn’t me saying that, that was him saying that,” the Blues boss added. “He thinks that. He thinks he owes us a turn because he’s missed the end of two seasons.

“And I think he’s just disappointed that everybody didn’t see him finish [those seasons], how good he was in his first season with 16 goals. Last season Murph was the star of the show, but he was always missed when he wasn’t fit.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss had praise for his new on-loan widemen, both of whom have impressed throughout pre-season.

“Ryan Fraser was in the [Bournemouth] team which got promoted, the best team in the league last year, so maybe it’s a bit expected, he’s an excellent player.

"But I think Ainsley Maitland-Niles has just been outstanding, he’s been great.”

Photo: Action Images

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:06 - Jul 27 Brentford have brought in some decent players including the top scorer in the Swedish "Premier." We 'll need everyone to be on top form. COYB!
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Len_Brennan added 06:30 - Jul 27 Last pre-season we went to Colchester & won 0-3 with the goals coming from a couple of strikers called Nouble (2) & Marriott. This year we go there with Murphy, McGoldrick, Sears & Pittman as our striking options - which is nice.
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cooper4england added 09:35 - Jul 27 For all the naysayers who feel we have not progressed Len's comment right there pretty much proves it.
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Paulblue62 added 09:44 - Jul 27 He owes us nothing. Quality player that I am really looking forward to seeing this season and hope he can prove all the doubters wrong.
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Michael11 added 09:50 - Jul 27 He was a free transfer and been a massive part of our revolution under McCarthy so he definitely doesn't owe us. It would be nice to see him stay fit for a full season as he could've been the missing link last season.
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dude added 10:32 - Jul 27 Give him February off?
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gippeswyk added 11:23 - Jul 27 Does this mean he isnt going to Derby?
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RaymondovicBlue added 12:55 - Jul 27 I certainly hope Didz does stay - and that all of the front 4 are happy to share game time and stay sharp and fit. With 4 quality strikers (They are all proven at this level already) we have options to play with - and with Mick publicly praising the TWO wide men I really think we are going to score goals this year. Did I hear that Didz has TWO years left (including the clubs option for an extra?). He needs to prove that he can have a FULL strong season before any other club would pay good money for him I think - and if that full strong season is the one we get automatic promotion from due to his goals (and the other 3 as well) then why would he want to leave (apart from the fact his family all live in the midlands) - but having done all 4 countries of the UK within 24 hours recently (don't ask!) it really is NOT far to travel from Ipswich to Nottingham in the sort of car this guy can afford ... and if it is a struggle he can afford to employ a driver ?

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RaymondovicBlue added 12:57 - Jul 27 And at 27 he has at least 5 good years left (he doesn't use electric pace so when he loses that it wont show --- eg David Beckham who could still be playing top level now if he wanted to !) so should not be in any rush to jump ship!
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fussysnake added 14:04 - Jul 27 Think it's a big season for McGoldrick. Am struggling to decide what strike partnership should start on the 8th though, pitman murph McGoldrick and Sears is a tough one to call!
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Warkys_Tash added 14:17 - Jul 27 I wouldnt disagree with that. Mick & ITFC rescued him from Forest reserves & League1. My favourite player at the club & with him we have a definite chance of promotion. Created many of Murphs goals up till Jan & no surprise we slumped when he got injured. Lets hope he stays fit & wants to be here
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TennesseeBlue added 14:20 - Jul 27 well, he could always sign a new contract with us.....
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Warkys_Tash added 14:20 - Jul 27 Although, it would be nice to hear it from the player himself..
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bohslegend added 16:02 - Jul 27 It's like having a new signing getting him back this season. He will make a huge contribution for us and it seems to me that we have some serious weaponry available to us this season. All 4 strikers (and even Reg to come back) are capable of getting double figure goals each as a very minimum. We're all hoping Didz can hit 15 or 16 with Freddie and Murph in the 20's. Who knows what Pitman can do for us? But he certainly knows where the net is.

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HKBlue added 18:15 - Jul 27 I can't believe the strikers we've got now.... I want t play them all! But best thing is we have options in every department for the different types of games against other defences. Sears - Speed and direct Murphy - Physical presence + Head Pittman - Poacher McGoldrick - Slick and tricky But the most important factor.... They ALL score goals! COYB!
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jas0999 added 21:00 - Jul 27 Strike force is excellent. Not convinced by keepers or believe we have enough defensive options.
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Paulblue62 added 09:24 - Jul 28 jas0999. A decent right back and we are fine at the back. Midfield is the position I would be looking to strengthen.
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Razor added 11:37 - Jul 28 He certainly does owe us and I will say again if he had not been injured last season we would have gone up aotomatic,no worries. If his attitude is right and he maintains full fitness could well be what we need to go straight up this season.
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