TALISMAN Barnsley forward David McGoldrick has confirmed his intention to play on next season – even if it is not at Oakwell.

The former Sheffield United striker is out of contract in June and would ideally like to stay with the Reds, having scored 18 times in an outstanding campaign under ex team-mate Conor Hourihane, who is keen to retain him.

Discussions have yet to take place with the club hierarchy regarding extending his stay into a second year.

The one-time Republic of Ireland international turns 39 in November, but has stressed that his goals tally in 2025-26, appearance record and fitness levels back up his belief that now is not the time to finish.

Barnsley striker David McGoldrick (right), pictured in action in the recent League One derby with Doncaster Rovers. (Image: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Barnsley striker David McGoldrick (right), pictured in action in the recent League One derby with Doncaster Rovers. (Image: Tony Johnson)

Should he not get fixed up at Barnsley, then he will head elsewhere.

He said: “Yes, for sure. I think it would be a silly man to call it a day when there was still a call for me to be in the Ireland squad a few weeks ago to get a recall. Call it a day? I don't think so. My body is not ready to finish yet.

“All my mates that have retired, that I came through with say: 'You're a long time retired. So play as long as you can'.”

On the absence of talks with the club so far, he added: “Honestly, I'm not worried about it because everyone's in the same situation and I know I'll be all right whatever happens.

McGoldrick, pictured with the EFL League One player-of-the-month award for February. Picture courtesy of SkyBet/EFL

“But I actually genuinely have got a little connection with the club now where I want the club to get better in recruitment. But if they shake my hand and say 'thank you for the season, we're going a different route', I'll shake everyone's hand and do it.”

Should a deal not transpire at Barnsley, then Hourihane says McGoldrick – who could return after two games out through injury against Bradford City on Saturday – won’t be short of interest elsewhere, even at his seasoned age.

He added: “Absolutely. Off the back of the season he's had.

“I know a lot of clubs now want to go younger and we're one of those. But I think if anyone could look at the scenario we had in the (last) summer when we wanted to get maybe one or two older lads involved – and Didzy being the prime example – he will have people ringing his phone no doubt. Hopefully, it will obviously be with us.”