David McGoldrick must stay sharp physically and mentally just in case the Republic of Ireland come calling again.
As it stands there is just one Ipswich Town forward heading to the European Championships with France this month after Daryl Murphy was selected for Martin O’Neill’s 23-man squad and McGoldrick missed the cut from the long list.
However, former Blues and Ireland skipper Matt Holland says such heartbreak can soon change to joy in the weeks leading up to major tournament.
“I remember Stephen Reid being bitterly disappointed to be left out of the Ireland squad ahead of the 2002 World Cup under Mick McCarthy’s management, but a week later Mark Kennedy suffered an injury and Stephen was back in and played in the first two games.
“David has to make sure he is ready if called upon because Martin hasn’t selected many forwards and Robbie Keane has had an injury recently.”
O’Neill cut his squad from 29 to 23 following their final warm-up match, a 2-1 home loss to Belarus, on Tuesday night.
McGoldrick had finished an injury-hit club campaign in encouraging form, scoring twice in the last four games for Town and then impressing in a friendly draw against Holland.
Murphy returned to the international fold during his sensational 2014/15 season, during which he scored 27 goals, but found the net just 10 times in a largely frustrating follow-up campaign.
“Martin O’Neill had some very difficult decisions to make,” said Holland. “It always looked like it would be either Daryl or David because Robbie Keane, even with fitness concerns, was always going to go because of his experience and influence and goalscoring record.
“Perhaps the fact that Ireland are well stocked in midfield went against David and Martin wanted more of an out-and-out striker in Daryl. I’m sure David’s injuries and lack of action this season played a part in the decision too.
“This will now obviously be a huge moment for Daryl, at the age of 33, to finally play in a major tournament. I think the way Ireland play, trying to get lots of balls into the box, will suit his game.”
Holland, who will be covering Ireland’s group matches against Sweden, Belgium and Italy for TalkSport, added: “If David does miss out then it might not be the worst thing for him to have the summer to really concentrate on getting 100% right, fully injury free and ready to hit the ground running for Ipswich again next season.”
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