David McGoldrick is fully fit again and has a double incentive to avoid injury — success for both club and country.
Back in the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Austria in Vienna on Saturday (Sky Sports One from 4.45pm), the Town striker would like nothing more than to help them reach the final stages of the tournament in Russia during the summer of 2018.
Despite being called up for end-of-season friendly games in May, the 28-year-old, who has won four full caps, missed out on a place in Martin O’Neill’s squad for Euro 2016 and recalled: "I was called up after playing just three or four games for Ipswich so I knew I was up against it.
"I thought at one point that I might have sneaked in but it was disappointing in the end. I was given the reasons, which I’ll keep to myself, and they were still positive.
"I’d only had one full game since returning from the ankle injury I picked up against Stevenage this season and I got the call straight back into the squad.
"That’s a huge boost to my confidence from Martin O’Neill. I like going there because the standard of football is quality and we have some Premier League players in the squad.
"The World Cup is massive but there are still some good strikers there and Murph [Daryl Murphy] and Shane Long haven’t been included this time.
"It’s going to be hard to get into the squad for Russia but I’ve got every confidence that if I get a good run of games I will score goals.
"Going back to last season, with the games I’ve played this season [prior to Saturday’s win at Sheffield Wednesday] it’s four starts and four goals in a row, so I’m not doubting my ability and I know that if I keep going I’ll continue to score goals.”
McGoldrick and Murphy, now at Newcastle following his £3 million move at the end of the summer transfer window, were a devastating double act in their time together at Town and the man left behind added: "I’m disappointed for Ipswich that he has gone but as a good friend of his I’m delighted for him.
"I don’t think anyone would turn down a move to Newcastle. When you see the fans, the stadium and the atmosphere you can’t knock him for wanting to join them and play for such a massive club, or Ipswich for accepting the offer for a player 33 years of age.
"It’s a big loss for Ipswich but we’ve still got good strikers here to cope with his loss. Okay, we’ve not been scoring as many goals but we’re still only a third of the way through the season. There’s a long way to go and the strikers can score goals.”