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McGoldrick applauding fans as he is comes off the pitch. Donall Farmer/INPHO

Ireland debut a 'great experience' for McGoldrick after two assists against the US

The Ipswich Town striker impressed on his first appearance for the Boys in Green.

DAVID MCGOLDRICK SHOWED Ireland fans a glimpse of what he can achieve on the international stage with two assists on his debut tonight.

The Ipswich Town striker was named in the starting line-up alongside Daryl Murphy for the friendly with the US in Dublin and took just seven minutes to create the opener with an inch-perfect through-ball for Anthony Pilkington.

His second, ten minutes into the second half, was even better. After collecting a pass from Robbie Brady, McGoldrick completed the one-two by backheeling into the Hull City winger’s path.

“I’ve got the ball off Pilks for the first one and he has carried on his run,” he said afterwards. “I played it through to him and it was a great finish to be far to the lad.

“Then Robbie was coming around on the overlap and I cut it back to him and it was a great finish again. It’s a great feeling to get two assists and the boys appreciated them.”

Along with fellow new addition Cyrus Christie, McGoldrick has given Martin O’Neill something to think about with three months to go until Ireland play another competitive game — at home to Poland on 29 March.

Having settled in well, the 26-year-old has enjoyed his first taste of international football and believes he has got plenty to offer the Boys in Green.

I’ve got confidence in my ability. I’d rather it be two goals myself but two assists is good. Playing with the boys, there are some great players and it was a great experience.

“It’s my first international minutes today but I’ve been training for well over a week really hard. It’s a great standard of players and I think I’ve settled in really well with the lads so hopefully long may it continue.

“I believe in my ability and I’m doing it at club level but it’s another step forward because we’ve got class strikers here so I’m not taking anything for granted. It was just great to play a part today.”

 Another beautiful assist from new man David McGoldrick restores Ireland’s lead

McGoldrick and Pilkington combine brilliantly for Ireland’s first goal of the evening

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