Sheffield United likely to miss key man for crucial Fulham clash

The Sheffield United striker came off early in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Slovakia on Thursday night which ended the Republic’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s European Championships.

Now McGoldrick has been sent home from the camp and will miss his country’s Nations League matches against Wales and Finland.

It is not known at this stage how long the 32-year-old will be out for, however it would be a suprise if he were to be available for the lunchtime kick-off against Fulham on Sunday.

Fellow Blades striker Oli Burke had already left the Scotland camp before playing a match having pulled out before the Scots booked their place in the Euro 2020 play-off final by beating Israel at Hampden on Thursday night.

The doubts over the fitness of McGoldrick and Burke would make it ever more likely that new signing Rhian Brewster will make his United debut at home to the Cottagers at Bramall Lane.

McGoldrick had been the Republic’s best player in that defeat to Slovakia and manager Stephen Kenny had spoken of his delight that the striker had reaffirmed his commitment to his country.

He said: “Mick [McCarthy] had him at Ipswich and all of that so… When I took over I was wondering in my own head: Is he going to relax and take a bit of a back seat, focus on club football, particularly with Sheffield United playing in the Premier League. That wasn't the case at all. He was absolutely desperate to play.”