David McGoldrick feels he owes Ipswich Town a good season following his recent frustrations.

The 27-year-old was the Blues’ talisman in 2013/14, scoring 16 goals before a knee injury prematurely ended his campaign. Then, last season, he never truly rediscovered his best form and once again was sidelined for the final few months as Daryl Murphy took centre stage in terms of goalscoring.

He made an encouraging cameo in the play-off semi-finals against Norwich though, featured for the Republic of Ireland over the summer and has looked sharp in pre-season games against Cambridge United and Peterborough.

“He trained with me on Monday and I was joking with him saying ‘your face is familiar, remind who you are’,” Blues boss Mick McCarthy told the EADT and Ipswich Star. “He looks pretty sharp.”

With McGoldrick facing stiff competition for places up front from Murphy, Freddie Sears and summer recruit Brett Pitman, McCarthy added: “This is a big season for him. That’s not me saying that, that’s him saying that.

“He thinks he owes us a turn because he’s had two end of season injuries. I think he’s just disappointed that everyone hasn’t seen how good he can be. We all saw what he can do in his first season.

“Last season Murph was the star of the show, but Didz (McGoldrick) is missed – always – when he’s not fit.”

Meanwhile, McCarthy says he would have no hesitation in deploying midfielder Jay Tabb at left-back if he had to.

Following the departures of Tyrone Mings (Bournemouth) and Matt Clarke (Portsmouth, loan) the Blues boss has just four senior defenders to call upon at present in Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith, Christophe Berra and Jonathan Parr.

And with the latter having been unavailable for two recent pre-season outings, Tabb – who has spent much of his Town career playing left-midfield – filled in at full-back against Fortuna Dusseldorf and Cambridge United.

“I know full well what Tabby will give me, wherever I play him,” said McCarthy. “He’s just a great pro. He’s done alright, he’s done fine there at left-back. It’s an option.”

With the Town’s Championship opener at Brentford just a fortnight away, McCarthy is keen to add two or three more players to his squad.

A versatile full-back is likely to be on the wanted list, while a box-to-box midfielder and, potentially, another winger will also be targeted.

– Where are the missing pieces to the jigsaw? Follow the above link for full feature.