David McGoldrick will receive a tough time from a good friend when Ipswich Town visit Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Town talisman spent a frustrating spell at Nottingham Forest where was good friends with current Reds defender Kelvin Wilson, who he is likely to come up against at the weekend

“David was a few years behind me at Notts (County), but he would come and train with us, because he was one of the good young players,” said Wilson.

“And I am still good friends with him now, we went away together in the summer. But I won’t be friends with him for 90 minutes on Sunday.

“He will know that though, he knows I will be kicking him, because I used to kick him in training. If selected, I am sure he won’t come near me!

“I have always known him to be a very good player. Sometimes when you move to a particular club, it can be hard for you. Sometimes is just isn’t for you. For whatever reason, it is not the right place for you.

“Sometimes you need time or you just need something to click for you – and it didn’t click for him, when he was here.”

McGoldrick notched just eight goals 63 appearances for the Reds, before loan moves to Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry preceded his switch to Portman Road, where he has become a goal hero, netting 23 goals in 57 games.

“Every other player knew he was good. But the fans make their judgements on a player by what they see, from watching games,” said Wilson.

“But all the players who were here when he was know just how good he is.

“He was often one of the best finishers on the training ground, he had good feet – he could do it. When you are a player you know when you feel wanted and maybe he didn’t feel confident here.

“Now he has proven to everyone what he can do. Some clubs came in for him in the summer, Leicester were one. That speaks for itself. It is a big step to go from not being wanted at one club to being wanted by top flight clubs.

“But football is all about opinions and playing with confidence is a massive thing for a footballer. And he is proof of that as well.”

Two more ex-Forest players, Paul Anderson and Luke Chambers will also be in Town’s squad for the City Ground, while Forest can boast former Ipswich left-back Dan Harding and ex-loan defender Danny Collins in their setup.