O'Neill: McGoldrick Offers Something a Wee Bit Different
Friday, 13th May 2016 22:03

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill believes Blues striker David McGoldrick adds something “a wee bit different” to his squad. On Thursday, the 28-year-old, who returned to action in the final weeks of Town’s season having been out since December with a hamstring injury, was named in O’Neill’s 35-man provisional squad ahead of the Friday 27th May friendly against Holland in Dublin.

O’Neill says McGoldrick “has got a lot of talent” and can link up play and isn’t in his squad just for the sake of it.

“No, [it’s] because he has got back into the side,” he said. “I went down to watch Ipswich play and I knew that Daryl [Murphy] wouldn’t be playing in the game but there was a chance that McGoldrick would play.

“He has played a number of games now. I thought that the first half in the game against MK Dons he was exceptional.

“I thought he did very well, scored a goal, got a bit of confidence from that.

“He is very good at linking play. It’s really his fitness. He is getting a little run of games now. Hopefully he will be involved in our squad anyway. He will definitely be with us [for the Holland friendly].

O'Neill with his assistant, former Town boss Roy Keane

“He does add something a wee bit different. It would be his fitness that I would have to take into consideration.”

Meanwhile, on-loan Blues defender Matt Clarke missed Portsmouth's 2-2 draw with Plymouth in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final at Fratton Park on Thursday.

The 19-year-old is considered a doubt ahead of Sunday's second leg at Home Park as he recovers from a groin injury.

Elsewhere, former Blues boss Joe Royle and ex-Town loanee David Unsworth will be in charge of Everton for their final game of the season against Norwich at Goodison Park on Sunday, manager Roberto Martinez having been sacked on Thursday.

Unsworth is the U21s coach at Goodison Park, while Royle works with the Toffeemen's academy players.

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

Page:
1

Eireannach_gorm added 22:11 - May 13 I thought he had missed the boat with his extended injury layoff. Delighted for him and hope he makes the final 23 man squad.
12

bobbyramsey added 06:24 - May 14 What are the chances of him getting injured at the Euro's and us not seeing him next season?
2

jas0999 added 07:06 - May 14 Great player. One of only a handful of creative players with quality at the club. But has known fitness issues meaning it's unlikely he will play a full season. Therefore, consideration to recruiting suitable cover is an absolute must for next season.
6

HarryS_H added 07:44 - May 14 He could be a really useful player for them in the euros. I can see him starting for them and getting a good few caps along with some goals hopefully. He is the kind of player that Ireland don't have many of up top so good luck to him. I have a feeling Ireland are going to do well this year, but I say that about England every tournament so don't hold me to that!
3

budgieplucker added 12:51 - May 14

Agree with Jas0999, it's clear when most of our talented players are fit and playing that we are a match for any side in this league. The fact that our most influential players have been missing too often puts into perspective that a 7th place finish is still a credible achievement.

Many think that Dids could play in the "hole", but he did a pretty good job as a target man against MK Dons and at times it looked if he was playing as a lone striker. I have seen him play this role before and thought he did well and looks good receiving the ball with his back to goal and wouldn't be concerned with him leading the line in a 4 2 3 1 formation.

Unfortunately until we get adequate cover for our key influential players then we will struggle to mount a serious challenge, and the style of football will be questionable. Clearly with the likes of Dids, Bish, Bru in the same team the options of playing good attractive football increases significantly and they have proven with the right players that we are a more than capable side of playing a style of football that the crowds will appreciate.