Goals will be important for Ireland over the coming weeks if they are to book their place in this summer’s World Cup, meaning the current concerns relating to the options up front in the squad are more than justified.
Evan Ferguson will be unavailable, with it also looking increasingly unlikely that Adam Idah will be fit in time for the game in Prague. The other fringe squad members, such as Johnny Kenny, Sinclair Armstrong, and Tom Cannon have not exactly set the world alight recently either.
In fact, the most in-form Irish striker outside of Troy Parrott is someone who has not made an international appearance in over half a decade.
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Ireland bolter performs brilliantly again
David McGoldrick has been in sensational form for Barnsley in recent times, with genuine calls being made for the 38-year old to receive an Ireland call-up ahead of the World Cup play-offs.
The striker had scored 11 goals in his last 12 League One appearances leading up to Tuesday night’s game against Cardiff City, the type of run Heimir Hallgrimsson cannot afford to ignore considering his other striking options.
McGoldrick would not find the back of the net against Cardiff City, actually missing a couple of big chances in the 1-1 draw. Despite this, he massively impressed opposition supporters with his performance on the night.
I know we focus on City but you had to admire David McGoldrick.
His finishing was off tonight, thankfully, but his work rate and application was fantastic for a 38 year old. He held his own against all our players when in a foot race. Great performance.
— Nigel Harris (@NigelBlues) March 10, 2026
Agreed. McGoldrick missed three, unusually for him. But what a shift he put in.
— David Charles #FBPE🏴 (@DavidCh67439188) March 10, 2026
Recommended
Also Robbo wants to look at McGoldrick for how to be a striker👍
— amity🏴 (@guiltisgood) March 10, 2026
That’s the least of my worries with got an oap David Mcgoldrick running ragged as we speak
— con (@c8nnorr) March 10, 2026
Bloody 38 year old David McGoldrick having a field day SACK IT OFF
— Evan (@diffanalysis) March 10, 2026
I’ve just witnessed 38 yo David McGoldrick outpace a 20 year old, across 45 yards, win the ball and just chip over the bar from a stupid angle. This guy never stops 🙌🏾😅 #barnsleyfc #efl
— Sanny Rudravajhala (@Sanny_Rudra) March 10, 2026
A shock Ireland call-up for David McGoldrick has not been ruled out.
Heimir Hallgrimsson recently told LOI Talk that all eligible players would be considered for the squad, with David Sneyd of The 42 suggesting that the Barnsley play is in the running for selection ahead of the game in Prague.
Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane, who also played alongside McGoldrick for Ireland, told the Barnsley Chronicle that the player’s return to the international fold would be ‘pretty special’:
I’ve not heard anything officially to say it’s happening or not. I have seen a few things said by certain people.
I know Ireland have injuries at the top end of the pitch. He’s a man in form and you never know. What he could bring to that group is experience of the big games and goals that he’s scored over the course of his career.
For him to potentially be involved in a play-off campaign to go to the World Cup at his age would be pretty special. Let’s just see if it happens first.
It is unclear whether the player would be open to such a move, having retired from international duty after Ireland’s Euros play-off loss to Slovakia in 2020. Stephen Kenny said last night that the player opted to step away from the Irish fold due to ‘personal circumstances’.
However, over five years on, he may find the opportunity to come back into the fold on a short-term basis difficult to turn down.
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