David McGoldrick can have Ireland singing a different tune in this campaign, according to Mick McCarthy.
The Ireland boss revealed that he was responsible for urging the playmaker to declare for the Republic five years ago.
But dogged by injuries before falling out of favour under Martin O’Neill, the 31-year-old is only now beginning to shine at this level.
Saturday’s game in Gibraltar was overshadowed by the John Delaney controversy and the game itself won’t live long in the memory for a variety of reasons.
But McGoldrick still impressed and then enhanced his standing in the eyes of Irish fans with a superb display against Georgia on Tuesday.
It’s been a long time since a player got such an ovation as the Sheffield United forward when subbed off late on after giving his all.
McGoldrick played for McCarthy at Ipswich and formed a lethal partnership with former Irish international Daryl Murphy.
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“I've got a great rapport with Didzy,” said McCarthy. “He's somebody who I admire, respect and trust and maybe that helps get a tune out of somebody.
"I can't coach him on what to do. I went to see him play Colchester of all places for Coventry before I signed him.
“He played upfront on his own that night and he was brilliant, and I couldn't believe we were getting him from Forest.
“He was great - him and Murph were the real deadly duo at one stage. He was great for Ipswich and great for me.”
And McCarthy urged McGoldrick to declare for Ireland when Martin O’Neill came calling early on in his five-year spell.
"I spoke to him and told him to do it, yeah absolutely,” added McCarthy. “I wanted him to play here because, whether I came back, I wanted him to play for Ireland.
“He's a bloody good player, whether I got the job or not. He wanted to do it. He just came and spoke to me about it.
“He said 'I've been asked, what do you think?' and I said 'go and do it'. He did it and he was committed to it.”
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