TESTAMENT to the undoubted class of David McGoldrick is the fact that he has now won EFL player-of-the-month accolades with four different clubs.

Barnsley’s talisman forward is ageing like fine wine. The 38-year-old’s stellar feats in February have been duly recognised by way of winning the monthly League One gong, beating off competition from Huddersfield Town striker Joe Taylor – on loan at Wigan Athletic – among others.

McGoldrick, pictured, has previously scooped awards with Derby County (February 2023), Ipswich Town (September 2013) and Coventry City (December 2012).

Perhaps the only surprise is that he did not pick one up during his time at Sheffield United, where he was feted by Blades followers. He must have surely been close.

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

placeholder image — Barnsley striker David McGoldrick, pictured with the EFL League One player-of-the-month award for February. Picture courtesy of SkyBet/EFL

Speaking of surprise, reports in the Irish media have talked up the prospect of Republic of Ireland handing the veteran a recall.

McGoldrick was last capped at international level in October 2020 by Ireland, who are without Evan Ferguson and Adam Idah for their crunch World Cup play-off fixture against Czechia.

Despite not being named in the provisional squad – he could reportedly be considered for a late call if there are further injuries, with the Reds player said to have received a recent phone call enquiring about his fitness.

Ex-Ireland team-mate and Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane said: “I've not heard anything officially to say it's happening or it's not happening.

Barnsley veteran David McGoldrick, pictured scoring against Northampton Town last month.

“But I have seen a few things said by certain people and I know that Ireland have got injuries at the top end of the pitch.

“He's a man in form and you never know. What he could bring to that group is experience, the big games and the goals that he's scored over the course of his career. And for him to potentially be involved in a play-off campaign to go to the World Cup at his age would be pretty special. But let's just see if it happens first.”

McGoldrick scored six goals in February.

It was headlined by a triple haul at Leyton Orient.

In doing so, he became the first Reds player to score two hat-tricks in the same season since Michael Chopra in 2004-05 and the oldest player to score a league treble in England's top four tiers since Jamie Cureton in April 2015.

On the recognition, the Nottingham-born player, who has scored 16 goals in the current campaign, said: “I’m really proud to receive this award.

“February was a great month for me personally, but it only happens because of the lads around me and the way we’ve been playing as a group.

“At this stage of my career, I just try to give everything I’ve got every time I step on the pitch, so to see that recognised means a lot.

“Hopefully, I can keep contributing and help drive us forward for the rest of the season.”

Hourihane added: “He’s been outstanding throughout February – not just with his goals and performances, but with the experience and leadership he brings to the group every single day."