David McGoldrick of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA EURO2020 Qualifier Group D match between Republic of Ireland and Switzerland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson will miss Tuesday's friendly international with Bulgaria due to injury.

McGoldrick, who scored his first international goal to earn Ireland a point against Switzerland at the Aviva, has returned to England for further treatment on a shoulder injury picked up in the lead up to last night's clash.

His Sheffield United team mate Robinson has also gone back to his club to receive treatment for a hamstring injury picked up during the game.

“Both David and Callum won’t be coming back in when the squad report back to the Castleknock Hotel on Sunday,” Ireland boss Mick McCarthy told Fai.ie whilst confirming he has no plans to call up any additional players to his squad.

“David came into camp with a shoulder injury but was determined to play against Switzerland and what a game he had. He was brilliant from start to finish and capped off a great performance with a first Ireland goal that was no more than he deserved.

“Callum felt his hamstring in the second half of the game so it is best now that he also goes back to Sheffield United for treatment. There are a few other bumps and bruises about the place but we will see how everyone feels after their short break over the weekend and take it from there on Sunday.”

McCarthy and his players were keen to praise the Ireland fans after a very special Aviva Stadium atmosphere on Thursday night.

“I said after the game that it was like the Lansdowne Road of old on Thursday night and so many have agreed with that,” added McCarthy. “I was told before the match that it was 18 years this week since the famous Jason McAteer goal against Holland and the atmosphere against Switzerland was so similar to that day.

“The tone was set by the fans from the start and the place was rocking. They got behind us when Switzerland scored and then they took the roof off when David scored. It was very, very special so thank you to them all.”

Set to watch the Ireland Under 21 side against Armenia in their European Championship qualifier at Tallaght Stadium tonight, McCarthy will be glued to the box on Sunday evening when Georgia host Denmark and Gibraltar go to Switzerland.

“The Tbilisi game between Georgia and Denmark will tell us a lot,” said the Ireland manager. “We go to Georgia next so we’ll be keeping a close eye on how that one goes. The group is tight and everything counts from here on in.”

Online Editors