McGOLDRICK ‘SURPRISED’ TO BE PLAYER OF YEAR

‘A CRAZY and weird season’ for David McGoldrick finished on a high with his selection as Ireland’s Senior Player of the Year. McGoldrick, 32, edged out his Sheffield United teammate Enda Stevens and veteran Glenn Whelan in the voting to become only the fifth striker to win the award since 1989. He follows John Aldridge (1992), Kevin Doyle (2008, ’10), Robbie Keane (2009, ’13) and Jon Walters (2015), as the only other forwards to take home the coveted prize. ‘I’m surprised, as a lot of players put in good performances,’ he said. ‘It’s a real honour and privilege to win. Going against Enda Stevens and Glen Whelan. I’m proud of myself.’ ‘It’s a great end to the season after Sheffield United did better than most people expected and I got to score in the Premier League at last.’ McGoldrick acknowledged the role that former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy played in his elevation to prominence in green and explained that he is now eager to kick on under new boss Stephen Kenny as Ireland prepare for a very busy autumn programme. ‘He’s got some really good ideas and has been positive about me.

Hopefully, I get selected. ‘Everyone is itching to get involved and impress. First impressions are big ones, and it’s no different if you’re one of the older ones like me or one of the younger boys. ‘Everyone fighting for the shirt is what we want. ‘The new management team wants to get into games that matter, straight into the thick of it. ‘That’s what we want as players too. ‘We’ve got a tough game (in the play-offs) to get through. If we play to our best we’re a match for anyone,’ he added. Alan Brown of Preston North End took the honours as Young Player of the Year.