x

McGoldrick Unconcerned By His Lack of Goals - Ipswich Town News

Town striker David McGoldrick is not the least bit concerned by his recent lack of goals, having failed to net in any of his last nine games, or the fact that his tally for the season so far is just three.

Asked if the stats worried him, McGoldrick responded: "Not one bit — I’m 29, I’ve got three kids and a moaning missus! I’m thankful for being out there and playing football because I know a lot of people would love to be in my position.

"I would have like to have added a few more goals, but the main thing is I’ve been getting chances. I’m playing well and helping the boys.

"It’s been enjoyable football and we’re working hard for each other. We’re not working in areas where you don’t have to work. We’ve all got smiles on our faces and long may that continue.

"I think my current form is a lot to do with the way the team is playing and the formation we’re playing. Tom Lawrence has been on fire and takes a lot of pressure off me to be the person that has to go out there and do everything as the main man.

"And Freddie [Sears] came in at the weekend and looked back to his old self — positive and a threat.”

As he prepares to head for Carrow Road and the clash with arch-rivals Norwich on Sunday the experienced frontman insists he isn’t in any way perturbed by his lack of goals, adding: "It might be a good story, with all the injuries I’ve had, coming back and scoring against the rivals. That would be nice, but I’d take a team win over any personal glory.

"I’m not even taking my place for granted. Pits [Brett Pitman] has got more goals than me and he’s not come on in the last four games.

"Big Kieffer Moore has come in from non-league — he’s a handful and looks a good player — and Freddie has got his confidence back.

"Tom is still suspended but if it wasn’t for him I don’t know where we’d be this season. It’s a toss-up who will play and it’s not guaranteed to be me.

"Everyone is fighting for their places and that’s good. No one is taking their place for granted.”

McGoldrick cast his mind back to last month’s embarrassing FA Cup third round replay defeat at Lincoln and said: "Back then we only had 13 or 14 senior players. Now if it’s 11 v 11 on the training pitch it has to be roll-on, roll-off subs.

"Lincoln might win the FA Cup now! That was a tough time. You have those spells in a season when things don’t go well but fair play to Lincoln.

"We want to go out and give a good account of ourselves on television now, though, because we didn’t against them.

"The formation we’re playing, with the wing-backs, suits us. The players in midfield have helped — Ems [Emyr Huws] is really attacking, Toums [Toumani Diagouraga] does too, as does Skusey [Cole Skuse] to be fair, and other players.

"Wardy [Grant Ward] has had a new lease of life in there. Freddie likes to run in behind and I like to drop deep and feed him.”

Right now, of course, the game at Norwich is uppermost in the players’ minds and McGoldrick added: "I’ve had a few people say ‘As long as you score against Norwich and beat them, I don’t care what happens after that’. I know it’s massive and what it means to the town.

"I remember seeing Danny Haynes ahead of one of the derby games and everyone was clapping him. I said ‘Did he score 200 goals here?’ and someone told me ‘No, he scored a few against Norwich’. That made me realise how much it means — score a few goals against Norwich and you can end up with the keys to the town!”

What to read next:

McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in Challenge
Manager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look Great
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
Palmer: It's Been a Really Successful Pre-Season
Town goalkeeper Alex Palmer has reflected on a successful pre-season campaign following the Blues’ 3-0 friendly victory over AJ Auxerre at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and Cajuste
Town boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
McKenna: We'll See How Broadhead Situation Pans Out
Manager Kieran McKenna says the Blues will “see how the situation plays out” regarding Wrexham’s interest in forward Nathan Broadhead.
McKenna: Hutchinson Not Mentally in Right Place For France Trip
Town boss Kieran McKenna says Brentford target Omari Hutchinson “didn’t feel mentally in the right place” to travel with the squad for this evening’s friendly against Auxerre in France.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Goals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
Hutchinson and Davis Miss Out at Auxerre
Omari Hutchinson and Leif Davis are absent from the Blues squad facing AJ Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly this evening (KO 6pm local time, 5pm BST).
Hackney Turns Down Town Move
Blues target Hayden Hackney is reported to have turned down the chance to join Town from Middlesbrough.