x

McCarthy: Didzy Believes He Owes Us - Ipswich Town News

Blues manager Mick McCarthy says striker David McGoldrick believes he “owes us a turn” having missed most of the end of the last two seasons due to injuries.

The 27-year-old’s 2013/14 was curtailed by a knee problem sustained in the February, while the Ireland international was sidelined with a troublesome thigh injury last season, again picked up in the February. He finally returned as a late sub in the second leg of the play-off semi-final at Norwich.

Having been away with the Irish squad, he was given an additional two weeks off and returned to full training last week.

"He trained with me [last] Monday and I think that was the first time because I was joking with him, ‘Face looks familiar, can’t remember the name’, all that," McCarthy joked.

[The Cambridge friendly on Tuesday was] the first bit he’s done and he looks pretty sharp.”

McCarthy has previously commented that 2015/16 is a big season for McGoldrick, which he says is how the player himself feels about the campaign ahead rather than his own opinion.

"That wasn’t me saying that, that was him saying that,” the Blues boss added. "He thinks that. He thinks he owes us a turn because he’s missed the end of two seasons.

"And I think he’s just disappointed that everybody didn’t see him finish [those seasons], how good he was in his first season with 16 goals. Last season Murph was the star of the show, but he was always missed when he wasn’t fit.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss had praise for his new on-loan widemen, both of whom have impressed throughout pre-season.

"Ryan Fraser was in the [Bournemouth] team which got promoted, the best team in the league last year, so maybe it’s a bit expected, he’s an excellent player.

"But I think Ainsley Maitland-Niles has just been outstanding, he’s been great.”

What to read next:

Eze Nets Twice as U19s Draw Opener at Czech Tournament
Striker Nelson Eze scored twice as an U19 Town side drew 2-2 with hosts Banik Ostrava in their opening match at the Zlaty Kahan tournament in Czechia yesterday.
Young: Working With McKenna Again Was a Massive Pull
New Blues signing Ashley Young says manager Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to join Town having left Everton at the end of last season.
Town Confirm Young Signing
Town have confirmed the signing of veteran former England international Ashley Young on a one-year deal.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Released Forward Roberts Joins Stevenage
Released Blues U21s forward Matty Roberts has joined League One Stevenage following a trial.
Young Close to Completing Town Move
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is close to completing a move to the Blues on a one-year deal.
Former Town Youth Coach Owen Dies
Former Town youth coach Brian Owen has died, aged 80.
Emmanuel-Thomas Joins AFC Totton
Ex-Town forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has joined National League South AFC Totton following his release from prison on parole.
Young Watches Son as U21s Beat Needham
Former England star and apparent Town target Ashley Young watched his son Tyler feature as a trialist for Town's U21s on Tuesday evening as they beat 10-man Needham Market 2-1 at Bloomfields in a pre-season friendly.
Young Watching Town U21s at Needham
Veteran former England international Ashley Young is watching Town’s U21s in friendly action at Needham Market with his son Tyler on trial with John McGreal’s squad.