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McGoldrick Impresses in Ireland Friendly
Friday, 27th May 2016 21:55

David McGoldrick played the first 76 minutes as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Holland in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin this evening, while fellow Blues striker Daryl Murphy was an unused sub.

McGoldrick impressed as he won his third cap and it was his cross-field pass which led to the corner from which Shane Long scored Ireland’s goal on the half hour. Luuk De Jong equalised for the Dutch with five minutes remaining.

Whether the 28-year-old has done enough to made manager Martin O’Neill’s 23-man squad for the European Championships in France remains to be seen but the boss was impressed with the Town frontman's display in a deeper role at the tip of a midfield diamond.

“The idea tonight was [to field] a mixture of players who are certain and others who feel every minute on the pitch is important,” O’Neill said.

“David’s only got in at the back end of the season due to injury. David can offer something that we don’t have in the side at the moment.

“It’s as much to do with the fitness level and the amount of games that he hasn’t played.

“But again, I’m hoping he’ll be around for some time if he stays injury-free, which he hasn’t been able to do in the past couple of years properly for a real long six-month run. That fitness level he’s attempting to achieve will stand him in good stead.”

Murphy, who has previously won 20 caps, is thought the more likely of the two to make the travelling party.

O'Neill, whose assistant is ex-Town boss Roy Keane, had planned to name his final squad after tonight's match, although he now expects to wait until after next Tuesday’s friendly against Belarus at Cork City's Turner's Cross, when Murphy will start, close to the 11pm deadline that evening.

Republic of Ireland: Randolph, Coleman, O’Shea, Duffy, Brady, Arter (O’Kane 82), Whelan (Gibson 67), Quinn (Hendrick 67), McGoldrick (Hoolahan 76), Walters, Long (McClean 67).


Photo: Action Images



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Stenvict added 22:02 - May 27
His cross field pass which led to the corner which led to Shane Long scoring. Surely that's clutching at straws?
10

WicklowBlue added 22:09 - May 27
Don't think he did enough personally...which is a shame as I was cheering him on.
1

BrettenhamBlue added 22:28 - May 27
Very enjoyable game of football but he didn't really do enough. Can see plenty of others ahead of him in the squad.
1

GiveusaWave added 23:34 - May 27
Even though Republic were 1-0 up with their first 11, they looked stronger as a unit with their substitutions. McLean, Hoolahan, Gibson all looked very sharp. Sadly not the best game for Didz. He did create a couple of corner kicks and should have been given a free kick on him at one stage in the game. Really want to see Murphy and Didz play at Euros so a bit gutted.
0

Michael11 added 00:38 - May 28
I'd personally be pleased if they both missed out from a selfish view. Particularly Didz. Be nice for him to have a summer off and come back all guns blazing next season!
3

corfu72 added 08:57 - May 28
That's great news,getting Match fit and playing well can only benefit both him and the club for next season.Just hope he stays fit.
2

ipswichben added 09:13 - May 28
I followed the match on various Irish social media outlets and they were raving about Didz. Some saying he is very highly rated by O'Neill and thought as the most skilful player in the group. I hope he goes as it would do wonders for his confidence and can only improve him further ahead of next season. Lets face it he can't be fatigued after playing so little recently.
2

unknown100 added 11:27 - May 28
International level... Sorry but no, I like mcgoldrick but his decision making is awful, shoots when he should pass, tries to take someone on when he should shoot, difference between a premier league player and a championship player
1

Pip50 added 17:07 - May 28
We don't want him picked, encase in cotton wool during the close season ready for 2016/7 he owes us we past on £10m!
0

ArnieM added 23:00 - May 28
tbh I don't think either player is good enough for the Euros. Didsy can't run...and Murphy is a great hold up front man but at International level you need far, far more than that I'm afraid. Suspect neither will make final squad. At least they wont be injured for start of Town's new season which frankly is way more important.
1

Seasider added 17:26 - May 29
Could play in that position for Ipswich
1


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