'What will be will be': David McGoldrick opens door for Ireland return

David McGoldrick celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier Group D match between the Republic of Ireland and Switzerland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Veteran 38-year-old David McGoldrick is willing to answer Ireland’s call by coming out of retirement for the crunch World Cup play-off semi-final against Czechia on Thursday week.

Injuries to Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah have reduced options to partner and support main forward Troy Parrott in Prague, triggering calls for McGoldrick’s comeback.

Currently in prolific form for Conor Hourihane’s Barnsley in League One, he retired from international football in 2020 with just 14 caps.

The EFL League One Player of the Month for February is not on the provisional 40-player squad but would be amenable to resuming his Ireland career.

"I've heard a lot about it," he told Sky Sports of the speculation.

"I've had a lot of messages. I looked at my Instagram the other day and I've got Ireland flags everywhere saying 'come home unc'.

"I would reconsider (retirement). I don't know what's happening. I know there's lots of injuries, and I don't know. I haven't heard anything.” 

He added: “I don't really want to go too deep in it. I've been watching as a fan ever since I retired from 2020 I think it was.

"I'm here, I'm scoring goals. I'm just concentrating on scoring for Barnsley at the minute and what will be will be."