David McGoldrick could start up front alongside his former Blues strike partner Daryl Murphy when the Republic of Ireland take on Mexico in a friendly in New Jersey overnight (Premier HD, 1.30am).

The duo are part of a 19-man squad which has travelled to the US for the game against the Mexicans.

A number of senior players, including ex-Town skipper Jon Walters, are not involved in tonight’s game but will be linking up with the squad ahead of Sunday’s friendly with Uruguay in Dublin.

The games are in preparation for the World Cup qualifier against Austria on Sunday 11th June, also in Dublin.

“It was very effective at Ipswich,” manager Martin O’Neill said when quizzed on the pair’s partnership with the Blues.

“Of course I’m well aware of their relationship. There’s a good chance those two will be on the field and probably at the same time too.

“Yes, it’s a thought in my head but it’s not the prevailing thought in my head. I think they can play with someone else alongside them if that’s the case or play on their own.”

McGoldrick, 29, has previously won five caps and will be looking to open his international goals account.

Murphy, 34, who has won 23 caps, scored his first Ireland goal in September's World Cup qualifier in September, shortly after leaving the Blues for Newcastle.

Ex-Town midfielder Conor Hourihane, now with Aston Villa, is also in the squad but ex-Blues loanee Giovani Dos Santos is not in the Mexico squad.

Meanwhile, 15 years ago today former Town skipper Matt Holland was on target for Mick McCarthy’s Ireland side as they drew 1-1 with Cameroon at the World Cup in Japan.

Holland's 52nd minute equaliser is the last goal scored by a Blues player at a World Cup finals.

15 years ago today Matt Holland did this at the 2002 FIFA World Cup! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/DrjRhBs40N

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 1, 2017

Photo: Action Images

midastouch added 22:01 - Jun 1 We've got so many ex players pulling up trees elsewhere we might as well be renamed Exswich Town!
2

woohoo added 08:08 - Jun 2 Ah, those really were the days - Matt Holland.... ...if only.... (sigh)
1

Tractorboy1985 added 15:03 - Jun 2 Why are we so obsessed with the past?? We need to be building for the future and have a club we are proud to watch NOW!! Sort it Evans and make this club special again!!!
1

JamesBlue91 added 12:02 - Jun 3 So. You're telling us this because........
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls