David McGoldrick managed to get on the scoresheet this evening as his side Sheffield United gathered what could be an important 3 points against Aston Villa.

He scored in the 30^th minute. Initially he evaded a defender and made some space with a deft touch before switching a wonderfully weighted diagonal ball out to George Baldock on the right flank. McGoldrick then made his way into the box with a clever run towards the back post before he was found by Baldock with a pinpoint cross. All he had to do then was tap the ball into the net, and that he did.

Phil Jagielka got sent off for Sheffield United in the 50^th minute leaving his teammates a gargantuan challenge in terms of gaining 3 points. However, they showed incredible resilience and defensive prowess for the remainder of the game which was rewarded with a much-needed victory.

Even with Sheffield United’s win today and improved form since winter, Premier League survival still remains highly unlikely.

They remain bottom of the table after tonight’s win with 14 points out of 27 games. They would need a massive 12 points as it stands if they were to climb out of the relegation zone with Newcastle and Brighton both on 26 points.

Despite his club’s substandard Premier League performance, David McGoldrick has been putting in some very impressive performances this season.

Not only has he managed his fair share of goals and assists, his contribution beyond numbers is something that can often be taken for granted.

McGoldrick announced his international retirement in December but there have been signs recently to suggest he may be at least considering a return to the Ireland fold.

Could McGoldrick possibly make the World Cup qualification squad to be announced this month?

David McGoldrick. What. A. Player. pic.twitter.com/Tt64mjdjQO

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) MARCH 3, 2021

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David McGoldrick hung up his boots at international level last November but recent changes to the striker’s Instagram account could suggest a potential return to the Ireland fold.

The Sheffield United man changed his profile picture to himself in an Ireland shirt, inserted the FAI’s account in his bio and deleted his retirement post today which left many fans thinking of a possible return with World Cup qualifying games approaching in March.

Nothing is concrete yet, though. In fact, it’s understood that McGoldrick has made no contact with the FAI regarding his international future since.

On the other hand, it seems odd that McGoldrick would make such drastic changes to his account if he wasn’t at least considering a comeback.

One thing’s for sure is that Ireland are in desperate need of striking options, and although McGoldrick hasn’t always been prolific throughout his career, his game is about so much more than just goals.

His link up play and work rate demonstrated for Ireland throughout his short international career left many fans mourning his departure, despite just scoring 1 goal in 14 games for the country.

He has arguably been Sheffield United’s best performer this season also. Despite the side’s substandard league form, McGoldrick has impressed on more than one occasion, with particularly accomplished showings against Manchester United and Tottenham.

Nothing has been confirmed yet. However, McGoldrick reviving his international career would provide a much needed boost to the Ireland squad and fans.

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Ireland’s World Cup qualification begins in March with fans cautiously awaiting the commencement of the campaign.

It’s been a rough few months for the national side. Controversy surrounding a pre-match motivational video, no wins throughout 2020, the retirement of David McGoldrick in addition to Damien Duff and Alan Kelly stepping down from their roles in recent days have all contributed to a miserable period of time for Ireland.

The absence of David McGoldrick in particular could have a damaging effect on the team’s on-field performance.

Despite not being a natural goalscorer – or even an experienced international – McGoldrick proved himself as a key member of the squad over the past couple of years. His showing against Slovakia in October as well as his performances against Switzerland and Denmark in 2019 more than demonstrated his worth to the national team.

As luck would have it, McGoldrick is enjoying his best spell of form at club level for a long time since his international retirement. The striker has been the shining light in a torrid season for Sheffield United thus far.

He has 5 goal contributions in 16 games including a brace against Manchester United and a stunning backheel goal against Chelsea. Even more impressive, though, has been his all-around play. Just yesterday he was named man of the match against Newcastle after a string-pulling performance.

REPLACEMENTS?

McGoldrick’s retirement from international duty is further compounded by the lack of striking options available to Ireland at the minute.

Many Irish strikers playing at a high level are either inexperienced, out of form or lacking first team minutes.

Shane Long was Ireland’s go-to striker for years but his playing time at both club and international level has gradually decreased over the past couple of years. He still, of course, has plenty to offer but if he’s not getting first-team minutes Stephen Kenny may be reluctant to start the Tipp man in March given the magnitude of the games.

There are also plenty of young strikers coming through, some of which already have experience in the national side.

Adam Idah and Troy Parrott are the two most likely candidates to start up front in March. Both have had their injury problems this season but they’ve been given game time in the Championship when available which is more than can be said about a lot of Ireland’s other options.

Idah started the season strongly by scoring on the opening day but has been out injured since November. To add to his injury, Idah has also contracted COVID-19 over the past week or so. He’s due back in February so hopefully he can get some game time under his belt before the international break.

Parrott, on the other hand, has been starting for Millwall recently after a 2020 marred with injury/health issues. He is yet to find his scoring touch that he’s displayed previously at underage level, though. Saying that, he has been playing at an acceptable level. His first goal for the club could be just the thing needed for the Spurs loanee to get his season on track.

Michael Obafemi is another one which has been touted as a star of the future for a couple of years now. Despite an impressive 2019/20 campaign, he has only played 16 minutes of Premier League football this season. Obafemi was reportedly due to complete a loan move to Swansea this month but to his misfortune he suffered a muscle injury in training which resulted in the Welsh club ending their interest. Realistically, he may not even get selected for the senior squad. Stephen Kenny always preferred Idah and Parrott in the u21s and hasn’t called Obafemi up to any senior squad so far.

Kenny has an enormous task at hand in the upcoming campaign and his fortunes are only made worse by the lack of strikers available to him.

Is there anyone that can step up and fill the void left by David McGoldrick?

David McGoldrick announces his retirement from international football

The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank David for his fantastic service and wish him all the best for the future

https://t.co/ynNrU76RpS#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/0rDQ4OjN2I

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 4, 2020

The post How much will Ireland miss David McGoldrick come March? appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

David McGoldrick announces his retirement from international football

The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank David for his fantastic service and wish him all the best for the future

https://t.co/ynNrU76RpS#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/0rDQ4OjN2I

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 4, 2020

Where will the goals come from?

Although McGoldrick will be missed, Ireland have continued to struggle to find the net, even with him in the team. Sean Maguire and Shane Long have been omitted from the squad, casting further doubt over their Ireland futures. Aaron Connolly has not started a game for his club Brighton since the last international break. Stephen Kenny hinted at Connolly’s prospects of filling the void left by McGoldrick by moving more centrally.

Adam Idah, like Connolly, has struggled to find game time at Norwich City this season. There was hope that the Cork man would push on as his team dropped down from the Premier League. But this hasn’t been the case. Callum Robinson enjoyed a bright start to the campaign for West Brom, scoring a brace against Chelsea. Since then he has only started one game, left standing in the shadows of new recruit Karlan Grant.

That leaves James Collins. The striker has four Ireland caps to his name, scoring on his debut against Bulgaria last year. Until now, Kenny has opted for youth when selecting his strikers, drafting in Idah and Troy Parrott whilst overlooking Collins in his last two squads.

Ireland 3-1 Bulgaria – What a goal by James Collins on his senior international debut. #rtesoccer #irlbul pic.twitter.com/NDc9JMD5YC

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 10, 2019

Since the former Dundalk manager took over, his team have scored one goal in five games. In spite of the obvious scoring drought, Ireland have taken more shots and crafted bigger chances than their opponents in four out of Kenny’s first five games in charge. The game against Slovakia typifies these statistics. The chances have been there, but the goals haven’t.

How does James Collins compare to the rest?

This season, James Collins has scored five goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly are both on one for the season, whilst Callum Robinson has scored three.

Focusing on last season alone, according to sofascore.com James Collins averaged a goal every 282 minutes, netting 14 times in 46 appearances. These numbers may not look impressive considering Collins is playing in the Championship. However it must be remembered that Luton Town had only been promoted last season, and finished in 19^th place. Not a bad return for a struggling side.

In contrast, Connolly managed three goals last season in the league, averaging one every 422 minutes. Idah didn’t feature as much for Norwich, starting only one game with his remaining eleven appearances coming from the bench. He failed to find the net. A hat-trick in the FA Cup against Preston North End was the highlight of his season. Robinson made the switch to West Brom at the beginning of the year, going on to score three goals for the Baggies (goal every 287 minutes).

Ignoring the fact that Collins is playing at a lower level, it is clear to see that his goal-scoring record is superior in comparison to his attacking counterparts in the current squad. Furthermore, Collins’ current form must also be taken into consideration, particularly with Connolly, Robinson and Idah all limited to substitute appearances in recent weeks.

Collins offers an alternative option for Stephen Kenny, who needs to start seeing his side convert chances into goals. Many would view McGoldrick’s retirement as the perfect opportunity for the younger players like Connolly and Idah to step up. Yet domestic football hasn’t been kind to them thus far. Ireland need goals and they need them now, so maybe it is time for Collins to steal the limelight.

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Ireland will be without David McGoldrick for the upcoming games against England, Wales and Bulgaria. This comes after the Sheffield United striker announced his shock international retirement this evening.

“The Sheffield United forward has decided to retire from international football to concentrate on his club career and family”, the FAI announced in a short statement earlier this evening.

McGoldrick had a brief Ireland career but he will be fondly remembered by Ireland fans. His performance against Georgia and his goal against Switzerland were the defining moments of his international career.

The striker won a total of 14 caps – despite being first called up in 2014 – for the Republic of Ireland. McGoldrick has only established himself as a starter within the past year or so. He was named Ireland senior player of the year in August after a fine series of games in the green shirt.

Although not a regular goalscorer for his country – or club for that matter – McGoldrick always gave 100% and his unselfish playstyle endeared himself to Irish fans. His last game for the country came against Slovakia in October. Despite not scoring, McGoldrick was arguably man of the match in that game. His tireless running and exquisite touch contributed to terrific performance.

Stephen Kenny is set to name his upcoming Ireland squad on Thursday. McGoldrick’s absence will come as a real blow to himself and Ireland fans alike.

David McGoldrick announces his retirement from international football

The Football Association of Ireland would like to thank David for his fantastic service and wish him all the best for the future

https://t.co/ynNrU76RpS#COYBIG pic.twitter.com/0rDQ4OjN2I

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) November 4, 2020

The post David McGoldrick announces surprise retirement from Ireland international duty appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman will miss the pivotal play-off game against Slovakia on Thursday after picking up an injury in Everton’s win over the weekend. This is a blow for Stephen Kenny as Coleman has been in fine form since the season began. It is anticipated that Matt Doherty, who didn’t feature in Spurs’ memorable 6-1 win over Manchester United, will retain his spot in the team.

Despite Sheffield United losing their fourth game of the season, David McGoldrick scored a terrific consolation goal against Arsenal. It was the Blades’ first goal of the new campaign. Enda Stevens and John Egan also featured in the game.

A fine finish from David McGoldrick. pic.twitter.com/e7qiiXy0n1

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 4, 2020

Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Connolly, James McCarthy and Callum Robinson all started for their respective clubs. All four players will be eager to play their part on Thursday evening.

Championship

In the Championship Sean Maguire scored his first of the season as he netted Preston North End’s fourth goal in a comfortable win. Alan Browne captained the side. Maguire, who has yet to feature under Stephen Kenny, will be hoping to continue this form in front of goal if he wants to be a part of Kenny’s plans.

Adam Idah is finding it hard to push Teemu Pukki out of the side at Norwich City. He came on with a half an hour left on the clock but struggled to make an impact against Derby County. In contrast, Jason Knight enjoyed his afternoon as his Derby team ran out one nil winners.

The Irish youngster has continued his impressive form this season after his emergence onto the scene last year. Although he will have to settle for a place in the in the U21 squad for now, his eyes will be firmly fixed on the senior team. Derby boss Phillip Cocu was over the moon with Knight’s performance: “How Jason Knight played today, especially for his age, was excellent.”

Blackburn Rovers’ Darragh Lenihan has also been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Kevin Long and Cyrus Christie have been called in to replace both Lenihan and Coleman.

Scottish Premier League

Shane Duffy grabbed an assist and a clean sheet for Celtic as they beat St. Jonhstone with two late goals. The Scottish champions have not conceded a goal in five out of their last seven games since Duffy arrived in Glasgow. They play Rangers after the International break.

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In a year that saw the striker return to the Republic of Ireland Senior Men’s squad, he scored his first goal (against Switzerland) and made a valuable contribution to the team.

McGoldrick, who has 12 senior caps in total, was surprised to learn of his win but delighted to accept it following a stand-out period for Ireland, as well as for his club, Sheffield United.

“I’m surprised. I think there are a lot of players who could have got it from their performances throughout the campaign. There is a wealth of experience and young, talented players as well so it’s a real honour and privilege to win this award ahead of them,” McGoldrick told FAI TV.

“In previous years I was in and out of the squads and didn’t really get the consistent game-time, which is fair enough. But to get game-time and to show what I can do and to win this award on the back end of it ahead of Enda Stevens and Glenn Whelan, I’m proud of myself for that.

“It’s been a crazy year. It’s gone really fast. Obviously I got my international goal at the start of the season, which gave me massive confidence. My performances have been good and to score my two Premier League goals that’s what I wanted, that’s what every player wants. Altogether it’s been a crazy and a weird season at the same time with what is happening in the world.”

The 32-year-old has already spoken with new Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and he is hoping to be named in the squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland next month.

“Everyone will be itching to see what the squad is and if you get selected. I know it’s going to be a busy schedule when we meet up but everyone will be itching to impress – first impressions are a big one,” he said.

“It will be no different if you are one of the older ones, like me, or a younger boy who is getting his first call-up you are going to be itching for it. And that’s good because it balances out the whole team and everyone is fighting for the shirt and that’s what we want.”

Even though his international career is only starting to take off, McGoldrick has plenty still to fight for with a spot at next summer’s UEFA European Championships top of the list.

“That’s what we’re all aiming for, to play in the European Championships,” said the striker.

“All of the hard work we’ve done for the past couple of years to get into this position, we now have one tough game first and we’ve got to get through that. I have every confidence in the boys. When we play to our best we’re a match for anyone.”

The winner of the Young International Player of the Year award is midfielder Alan Browne, who was selected ahead of Josh Cullen and Callum Robinson.

This category takes into consideration players aged 25 years or younger who have represented the Senior Men’s team in the respective year of the awards taking place.

Browne is no stranger to collecting International awards having picked up the Schools International Player of the Year in 2013 when studying at Nagle Community College and then lifting the Under-21 Player of the Year in 2015.

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