DAVID MCGOLDRICK CAPPED a “crazy year” as he was named Senior Men’s Player of the Year in the 2019 ‘Three’ / FAI International Awards.
The striker topped the vote by a media jury ahead of his Sheffield United team-mate Enda Stevens and Glenn Whelan.
Preston’s Alan Browne won the Young International Player of the Year award ahead of Josh Cullen and Callum Robinson.
McGoldrick, 32, scored his first international goal last September to earn Ireland a 1-1 draw at home against Switzerland.
“It’s been a crazy year,” he said. “It’s gone really fast.
Obviously I got my international goal at the start of the season, which gave me massive confidence. My performances have been good and to score my two Premier League goals that’s what I wanted, that’s what every player wants.”
McGoldrick has already spoken to Stephen Kenny, who is currently weighing up his first Ireland squad ahead of the Nations League games against Bulgaria and Finland in September.
Ireland are due to travel to Sofia for their opening fixture on 3 September but that game may have to be moved due to Bulgaria’s high rate of Covid-19 cases, with further details expected following a Uefa briefing this morning.
The Nations League games will be an opportunity to impress Kenny ahead of Ireland’s Euro 2020 playoff against Slovakia, which is currently scheduled for 8 October in Bratislava.
“That’s what we’re all aiming for, to play in the European Championships,” McGoldrick said.
“All of the hard work we’ve done for the past couple of years to get into this position, we now have one tough game first and we’ve got to get through that.
“I have every confidence in the boys. When we play to our best, we’re a match for anyone.”
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Don’t be too sure… Apparently, there’s a lot of communions and confirmations down in Munster this weekend!
It’s gonna be a cracker!
Come on Leo’s Lions!
Time to stand up and fight
@John Quinn: as a leinster fan id be more worried if munster tried to play rugby, standing and fighting hasn’t done them any good for 13 years.
Is there any way of telling, before you click in on an article, that a subscription is required to read? Makes this website experience tedious
@Paul C: you know when you’re scrolling and each article has a little hastag on it (on my phone anyway) well it seems to be the ones that’s have this highlighted in blue/green/turquoise sort of colour.
@SPQH: I’m noticing now they all say “analysis”
@Paul C: The ones marked analysis in green are paywall articles. You can sign in up the top left with an email address without having to pay a subscription and see most of the articles currently. That’s what’s working for me anyway.
@SPQH: well spotted. Thanks
I think it will be a cracker and not as clear cut as some think. The fans will have a great day
@Phillip Keohane: From an entertainment perspective, i hope you’re right. I doubt it though. Leinster to win in third gear i’d say. Munster have the intensity and attitude alright but they are not at the same technical and cohesion levels as Leinster imo.
@niall kelly: Leinster need to keep the focus on the European Cup which will define their season. However it looks more like the quality of player missing from Munster due to injury makes it hard to see past Leinster. Still, it’s sport so, you never know.
Munster have nothing to lose I’ll think it will be a dog fight . A great game for the fans
Leinster were red hot favourites last year to win the Champions Cup and also lost in the URC. There are no favourites both teams will give everything. I hope Leinster win tomorrow but if Munster win I will be the first to congratulate them.
I’d be surprised that they will travel up.I hope they do,they are needed for the atmosphere, but I don’t think they believe they have a chance. It’s a pity the great games of Munster v Leinster rivalry, ROG pumping it up at the crowd, Johnny in ROg face,that real rivalry where the outcome was in doubt is gone.
Leinster are so dominant that Munster supporters won’t spend the money to see their team lose.They will come up and hope to get more joy outta supporting ROG