Boss Mick McCarthy has no doubt that striker David McGoldrick would have hit the 20-goal mark last season but for the medial knee ligament injury he suffered during the Blackpool game in February. The 26-year-old missed the start of pre-season training at Playford Road yesterday as he’s continuing his rehab in the US with specialist Bill Knowles this week.
"He’s gone for strength and conditioning for his leg, which was always in the plan,” McCarthy said of the former Nottingham Forest frontman, who underwent cartilage surgery in April as he recovered from his initial injury.
"The plan was that he would go there for this week strengthen his legs, not that he can’t do it here but he’s with a specialist to get him better.
"He’ll then have week with the fitness coach and then he’ll be back training with us in two weeks’ time, I hope.”
McGoldrick is expected to be fine for the start of 2014/15 proper, much to his manager's delight: "He’s a really important player for us. Didz was brilliant for us last season and the goals that he got, what was it, 16?
"I can’t remember how many games he missed but he would have hit 20 goals, I have no doubt. I’m looking forward to him being back.”