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Sheffield United boss hails mental strength of Ireland striker David McGoldrick

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder hopes David McGoldrick's FA Cup goal away to Reading can le...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

16.07 5 Mar 2020


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Sheffield United boss hails me...

Sheffield United boss hails mental strength of Ireland striker David McGoldrick

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

16.07 5 Mar 2020


Share this article


Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder hopes David McGoldrick's FA Cup goal away to Reading can lead to more between now and the end of the season. 

The Republic of Ireland striker finally bagged his first goal of the season in the Blades' extra-time 5th round win at the Madejski.

Barring injury, McGoldrick has been one of the constants of Wilder's starting XI's this season, regardless of his paltry return in front of goal.

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At one stage last season, McGoldrick went nine Championship games without a goal before going on a run of six in nine games. So Wilder hopes history can repeat with McGoldrick finally breaking his duck, "Certainly, it happened in the Championship. He's a fantastic footballer and when he gets on a roll he can finish we all know that.

"The longer it went on it became more difficult for David but you saw the reaction of the players and our supporters we appreciated his efforts and what he's thought of at this club.

"He's been out for a little while so for him to come back and score and for us to get through to the next round was great. For David to get that goal and to progress made it a decent night for us."

McGoldrick's return to goalscoring form comes at an ideal time for Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy who has been equally fond of the 32-year old during his tenure.

Despite misfiring for most of the season, Wilder says McGoldrick's head never dropped, "He'd have been disappointed but I kept picking him still because of what he brought to the team, out of possession and in possession.

"I look at that period when he was playing and that goal at Spurs we thought he'd got off the mark, whether it was John's [Fleck] big toe or the second phase but his performances were really good and he has been part of the group that has won games of football and picked up points.

"We have faith in Didzy, the staff do, the supporters do and we were delighted he got off the mark.

"He hasn't played much recently because of an injury but to have him back, for him to score and get him up to speed, added to the likes of [Richairo] Zivkovic, [Billy]Sharpy, [Oliver] McBurnie, [Lys] Mousset, it's a good group at the top of the pitch and I have options."

Wilder also sounded a positive note on the fitness of Enda Stevens with the Euro 2020 playoff in Slovakia just three-weeks away.

The former Shamrock Rovers wing-back was taken off with a calf injury after scoring a wondergoal against Brighton last month.

But Wilder expects Stevens to be back in the side when fellow FA Cup quarter-finalists Norwich visit Bramall Lane on Saturday claiming he's "fit, as is [John] Flecky, so no risks on Tuesday night.

We wanted to look at Sander [Berge] in a that position and we were delighted with his performance."


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Chris Wilder David McGoldrick Enda Stevens Euro 2020 Fa Cup Premier League Republic Of Ireland Sheffield United Slovakia Uefa Euro 2020

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