McGoldrick doubt for Rams’ opener
STRIKER COULD MISS U’S CLASH BUT ROSENIOR SAYS CLUB WORKING ON ADDING MORE DEPTH TO SQUAD
INTERIM Derby County boss Liam Rosenior says David McGoldrick is “touch and go” for the season’s opener against Oxford United this weekend but stressed he would not risk the forward for the sake of it.
McGoldrick has missed the last two friendlies, against Stevenage and Leicester City, with a slight niggle after the playing 45 minutes in the win against Hertha Berlin, his only outing so far.
The former Sheffield United striker is now facing a race against time to be involved in the squad to face Karl Robinson’s side at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday as the Rams aim to begin the League One campaign with a bang.
Rosenior said he could ask McGoldrick to play through his injury but will not do so, to reduce the risk of further aggravation.
But he says he is working on bringing players into the squad to help add further strength in depth, adding that the club are close to making a couple of additions.
“He’s (McGoldrick) touch and go,” said Rosenior when asked if McGoldrick would be available this weekend.
“He has a small niggle and it’s one of those where I could ask him to play through it.
“But I am not going to do that. We are not in a position in terms of the numbers of the squad to risk losing players who have small niggles or muscular issues.
“For me, I need him fit for as long as possible. I am not willing to risk any player and that’s why I am working to make sure we bring more in.
“I’ll be doing that and we are really close to a couple of exciting ones. Hopefully, we can announce them.
“We are working really hard and they will be quality additions to the squad, which is what I am looking for.”