Town boss Mick McCarthy believes striker David McGoldrick is back to his best having missed much of the end of last season with a troublesome thigh injury.

The 27-year-old, who spent time on loan with today's opponents Sheffield Wednesday in 2011, scoring once in three starts and one sub appearance, suffered the problem in February at Rotherham and returned briefly as a late sub at Norwich in the play-off semi-final second leg before involvement with Ireland early in the summer.

Having come off the bench at in last Saturday's opening day 2-2 draw at Brentford, McGoldrick started against Stevenage in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday and was one of the Blues’ best performers as he created the winning goal for Jay Tabb in the 2-1 victory over the League Two side.

“He’s much better from the start, Didzy, and he got right bang at it on Tuesday night," McCarthy said. "I thought he was excellent, as I thought his mate was as well, Brett Pitman.

“Yes, of course, [he was frustrated last season], not about Murph scoring the goals, the injury was the thing.

“Listen, they’ll all want to be top striker, all four of them, we’ve got four really good strikers and they’ll all want to be the top men. And Didzy was [the season before last].

“I don’t have those discussions with them, but I knew he’d be frustrated because I judge it on how I would feel if I’d have been him being in the team, getting injured and then watching us doing well, watching the other lads do well. It’s hugely frustrating for players.

“It’s the same now for Luke Hyam and Reg Varney and Kevin Bru, who’d got in the team.”

McCarthy says utilising three of his four strikers together is an option he can see himself using during the season but rules out playing McGoldrick in midfield: “I could play 4-3-3 with any three from four. Didzy could actually play in the hole.

“We’ve seen Jonny Williams playing there and he likes that going and getting the ball and setting things up. I think we’ve got good combinations we can mix and match.”

He added: “I’m talking about having a midfield three and him [ahead of them]. If he roams around he can be very dangerous but then he’s a good goalscorer as well, so you want him up the pitch, you want him in the box.

“But he’s a talented player, and do you know what? I’d just like him fit for all the season and be able to pick him if, when and where I want to. And if he is fully fit it would be hard to keep him out of the team.

“But he’s lost his slot to two players who had a great time last season. One scored nine in 14 and the other got 27 and they’ve done nothing wrong. They’re both terrific players, Murph and Freddie.”

Photo: Action Images

hoppy added 06:35 - Aug 15 Hmmm.. Not giving many clues for today's strike force is he? In one breath he says "He's much better from the start, Didzy" and then at the end “But he's lost his slot to two players who had a great time last season. One scored nine in 14 and the other got 27 and they've done nothing wrong. They're both terrific players, Murph and Freddie.” So I wonder if he could go 4-3-3 for the first home game of the league season - nice way to go about setting your stall out for goals at home if he did! Whichever it is - how good is it to have so many options. I can't remember the last time going into a season wondering who could possibly be left out because they're all good enough! COYB

8

jjoe_underwood1 added 07:16 - Aug 15 As Mick says,can you name a championship club with four better strikers? Going for 2-1 today with Sears and Berra to score.
1

muccletonjoe added 07:50 - Aug 15 If these players all click in together, particularly the midfield and forwards we should have a team this season to reckon with, providing they all stay free of injury. But of course names on team sheets do not win matches, they have to do it on the field, and if they do I think some teams will be beaten before they get to Portman road
1

ElderGrizzly added 07:50 - Aug 15 Hoppy - you've got lost again! Back over t'forum..... :) But i agree, nothing given away there. Although that last line may be more significant. I still think he's more suited to a tight home game than Sears, but we'll see!
0

PJH added 08:34 - Aug 15 It is a good problem to have when you have to try to decide who to leave out of a side rather than who to put in. I think AMN and Fraser have to start but not sure you can then include Didz,Murph AND Freddie-we will find out later. COYB
1

ITFCFan added 09:53 - Aug 15 Didze in the hole is a must!! I think he would do a better job than Williamson, his hold up play and very good feet would make him a huge asset! And then Pitman & Murphy up front with Sears as you 65 minute sub with his pace! It's a must in my opinion. Come MM let's see this happen. In mock we trust.
0

TimmyH added 10:33 - Aug 15 How on earth can Mick say this?!...2 games in, he hasn't scored and let's be frank playing and creating against Stevenage is no big deal. Probably psychological so Mick giving Didz the 'big up' will improve his confidence!
1

commuterblue added 11:06 - Aug 15 Bit harsh TimmyH - he's only played 98minutes but you're complaining he hasn't scored! Didz has looked good in the games he has played (including pre-season). Presumably you don't like any of our strikers as none of them have scored, and they've all started at least one game...
1

commuterblue added 11:07 - Aug 15 In any case, both McGoldrick (skill on ball), Murphy (physical presence) and to a lesser extent Sears (pace) have more to offer than just goals. Maybe this is also trure of Pitman although I haven't seen as much of him
0

TimmyH added 11:18 - Aug 15 @commuterblue - don't be silly, how can Mick say he's back to his best? honestly - we know by and large it's a confidence thing with him as for our other strikers I wasn't commenting on them, we do no doubt have a good front line and back up (probably one of the best in the division). Lets leave it 10 games or so before Mick makes such statements.
0

SouperJim added 11:30 - Aug 15 TimmyH talking rubbish I'm afraid. It's clear to see that Didz is back to his best, having watched him through preseason and in our first two competitive games. He looks back to his old self, is fitter and sharper than he was last season when he looked like he was running in treacle.
2

Seasider added 11:42 - Aug 15 I also think Didsy is too good to leave out especially after the way he played on Tuesday;but suppose was only against 2nd Div side. Mick seems to rule out playing him in the hole behind two strikers;but as Wednesday normally set up under new manager playing 4-3-3,we shall see. EADT seem to think that Chambers will be at right back.Hope they are wrong and Josh Emmanuel plays there;but Mick is an experienced manager(wily old bird!?lol),and he picks the team;but with our two new wingers almost certain to play hope we are in for a good game of football.

0

PJH added 11:50 - Aug 15 I thought on Tuesday that McG looked exactly what he is-a high class,skillful footballer AND he looked sharper and quicker than before his injury. He is the most skilled player on our books and to see him approaching full flow is a delight. I would like him to make it impossible to leave him out whatever formation and personnel we play.
1

Tractamatt added 14:09 - Aug 15 Is it me or is there a hint about Williams in that interview. Would be nice to have him back as long as we got some defensive cover as well?
0

TimmyH added 14:57 - Aug 15 Well we will see @SouperJim - preseason games and playing against Stevenage counts for very little but one thing I will say about Didzy even though he was lacking in confidence and not playing well last season he still has more ability at holding the ball up and trying to create something than the majority of our midfielders last season.
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls