Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, will keep David McGoldrick wrapped in cotton wool this week.
McGoldrick is back with the Ireland squad after missing out last time with a groin injury. Since returning from that injury, he’s been in arguably the form of his life for Sheffield United.
The forward has been instrumental as the Blades have risen to fifth in the table. He had a goal ruled out at the weekend when VAR adjudged John Lundstram to be offside.
And along with Darren Randolph, McCarthy is looking to keep McGoldrick fully fit as they prepare to take on Denmark in a make or break European Championship qualifier.
“David has come back, he’s had two or three games back and he’s been playing well for Sheffield United – and how the hell his goal was disallowed on Saturday is beyond me, by the way. That’s another matter,” McCarthy said (Daily Echo)
MORE UNITED STORIES
“I’m delighted to have him back. Darren Randolph, we’ll have to look after him because he only came back on Saturday.”
The Irish manager is keen to see McGoldrick play against the Danes. With a friendly against New Zealand this week, it’s unlikely he will be risked ahead of such a crucial game.
McCarthy went on further about McGoldrick and acknowledged things might have been different had he been fit for the last round of qualifiers.
“I would always prefer to have my best players playing, and he has been our stand-out centre-forward. So any team of any ilk, any stature would miss a player like him, especially how he was playing, and he was loving it,” McCarthy added.
Key player
Much has been made of the fact McGoldrick has yet to score for the Blades this season. However, he has become so much more important than just being a goalscorer for the club.
His all-round play in the last few weeks, in particular, has been nothing short of superb. We previously wrote about McGoldrick’s selection representing a bit of a headache for Chris Wiler. It looks like the striker has put that conundrum firmly to bed.
If Ireland – and Mick McCarthy – are to have a chance of overcoming Denmark, then having a fully-fit David McGoldrick increases their chances massively.