Mick McCarthy thinks the relationship between David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson at Sheffield United will help the Republic of Ireland.
The manager of the Irish national team has included both players in his squad for the Euro 2020 qualifier with Switzerland and friendly against Bulgaria.
In fact they are among a quartet of Blades selected by McCarthy, along with John Egan and Enda Stevens.
Yet it is McGoldrick and Robinson who have formed a partnership upfront this season. This is after the latter was signed from Preston North End over the summer.
McGoldrick and Robinson started the first three Premier League games for United in 2019/20 following their promotion. At the weekend, Robinson scored his first goal for the club in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea.
The 24-year-old netted just after half-time to reduce the Blues’ lead. It was also his cross that lead to a late equaliser as it was turned into his own net by Kurt Zouma.
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With McGoldrick and Robinson in the team the Blades have picked up five points from their first four top flight games in 12 years.
Why Mick McCarthy is pleased
McCarthy recalled McGoldrick to the national squad for the first time in 12 months earlier this year. The striker’s impressive form for United helped them get promoted from the Championship in 2018/19.
And McCarthy must have been pleased when international teammate Robinson joined him at Bramall Lane. Even more so when they became first choice in attack.
“It’s good for people to have relationships, of course,” McCarthy told the Irish Sun.
“If players are playing well at their own clubs, if it’s with a team-mate or not, the fact they’re playing, I think it benefits us.”
Both players will be in contention to start against the Swiss tonight. This is despite the fact Robinson had to sit out a training session with a thigh injury.