Boss Mick McCarthy was delighted with the Blues’ performance as they beat Colchester United 3-0 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The Town manager singled out David McGoldrick for praise, while he was also pleased to see Paul Taylor back in action a 10-month absence due to a foot injury.
McCarthy said: "It was a really good performance. I hadn’t been that happy with Saturday’s but I watched it again on Monday morning and the lads were knackered, they couldn’t get about the pitch.
"I thought Barnet played well but we weren’t anywhere near our best. I think we were tonight and but for two great saves, we could have been further in front.”
The Town boss was pleased to see his side net three goals for the first time in pre-season: "We got a good delivery in for the corner kick and a bit of good movement, so that was great to see one of the centre-halves [Luke Chambers] get it.
"I thought David McGoldrick was outstanding, his movement, his touch, his awareness, everything about him. He deserved his goal. And then there was the penalty and Murphy scored it, which was the main thing.”
McCarthy was glad to see Taylor finally make his return to action: "He’s a real bag of tricks, he’ll be a handful. It was great to see him on the pitch. I’m delighted. And he’s more delighted than anybody.”
Midfielder Cole Skuse went off with a knee injury in the first half and McCarthy says he’s not sure of the extent of the problem as yet: "I don’t know yet. Until we assess him in the morning I don’t really know.”
Skuse, who underwent knee surgery earlier in the summer, was fine after the game and his substitution was mainly precautionary.
Striker Michael Chopra was missing from the squad with McCarthy confirming that the 29-year-old was in discussions elsewhere: "He’s talking to clubs. Talking to a club."
The 29-year-old was reported to be at Barnsley yesterday — while Sheffield Wednesday have also been linked — but McCarthy wouldn’t confirm whether the Tykes were the interested party: "I wouldn’t disclose what he’s doing, he’s talking to a club.”