Star striker David McGoldrick is ready to return to Town’s starting line-up, believes manager Mick McCarthy. The 26-year-old made a goalscoring return to competitive action in last weekend’s 2-1 home victory over Fulham, coming on as a sub just before half-time and netting just after the hour mark.

Having played in that game and made two previous friendly appearances as a sub following a six-month absence with knee problems, McCarthy feels last season’s 16-goal top scorer is now ready to start.

“I would say so,” he said. “Then the question would be, would he finish? I don’t know but we saw how strong he looked during the 45 or 50 minutes he played on Saturday, so we know that.

“But it’s a different 50 minutes starting from the kick-off, from three o’clock. It is different, there’s no question, but he can play.”

McGoldrick, who now that he’s fit hopes to win a call into the Republic of Ireland squad, seems likely to start up front alongside Daryl Murphy with one of Balint Bajner, Frank Nouble or Jack Marriott replacing him at some stage during the second half.

Photo: Action Images

BotesdaleBlue added 16:58 - Aug 14 Fantastic news, pure and simple.
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MaySixth added 17:01 - Aug 14 Keep him on the bench and bring him on with 35 minutes to play. Reading played a very strong team in midweek and will be tiring.
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howdonblue added 17:06 - Aug 14 Fantastic we love you didz. In mick we trust
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SouperJim added 17:17 - Aug 14 If he's only going to manage a half, better the second half than the first, surely?
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NoCanariesAllowed added 17:45 - Aug 14 This is great news, but I still feel cautious. I think he surprised us all by coming on and scoring against Fulham (albeit with the opportunity rather laid on a plate for him) but as much as he could make the difference if risked in a game as tough as Reading away, he'll make a bigger difference if he stays fit for the season.
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Mark added 17:46 - Aug 14 Very good news indeed, just so long as he is 100% right for the match on 23rd.
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neillrumsey added 18:30 - Aug 14 McG really is a class act who brings so much more to the team than goals. His introduction changed the entire game against Fulham he has great awareness and excellent movement. Hope all goes well against Reading. COYB
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bluethroughnthrough added 18:41 - Aug 14 Rest him for Norwich.
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bigolconnor added 21:50 - Aug 14 He did look slightly under the pace against Fulham, but his touch and awareness were a cut above. Just a couple more games and he will be fully fit. I've got a really good feeling that he will score one each against Birmingham and reading and then set two up for Murphy against Norwich.
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