Advertisement
Brian Lawless

Blow for Martin O'Neill as injury-plagued Irish attacker set for another spell on the sidelines

David McGoldrick could be out until Christmas after another setback while playing for Ipswich.

DAVID MCGOLDRICK HAS suffered a fresh injury blow and could be out until Christmas.

The Republic of Ireland international has been hampered by a string of fitness issues over the last two years and has been hit with a new one after appearing for Ipswich in an EFL Cup clash with Stevenage on Tuesday night.

Itโ€™s believed that the 28-year-old picked up an ankle injury after coming on as a first-half replacement but elected not to go off and played the remainder of the game.

The initial prognosis seemed to be that it was a small knock but a more detailed look has revealed that McGoldrick is potentially facing months on the sidelines.

Republic of Ireland v Netherlands - International Friendly - Aviva Stadium PA WIRE PA WIRE

Itโ€™s a huge blow to Mick McCarthy and to Martin Oโ€™Neill too.

McGoldrick had already started the new Championship campaign well, scoring in the 4-2 opening-day win over Barnsley, and his latest injury has led to his manager recalling veteran Luke Varney, having released him in the summer.

Oโ€™Neill likes McGoldrick, with the attacker unlucky not to make the final Euro 2016 squad after shining against the Netherlands in a warm-up fixture in Dublin.

With Robbie Keane expected to step away from the international scene, thereโ€™s an opportunity for fringe strikers to stake more of a claim.

But the latest injury could ensure McGoldrick misses four World Cup qualifiers โ€“ against Serbia, Georgia, Moldova and Austria.

Irelandโ€™s first assignment is in Belgrade on 5 September.

Join The42โ€™s Premier League Fantasy Football League using this code: 1822511-443420

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Suspension means Pogba wonโ€™t make his Man United debut on Sunday

The top 10 Premier League transfers ahead of the 2016-17 season

Close