David McGoldrick’s potential return to the Republic of Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off would be ‘pretty special’ says Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane.

The 38-year-old striker, who has been on fine goal-scoring form recently for the Reds, has 14 caps for Ireland with the last being in 2020. They are due to visit Czechia in the World Cup play-offs on March 26 and, with strikers such as Evan Ferguson out injured, reports in Ireland have suggested McGoldrick is one of several options manager Heimir Hallgrímsson is looking at.

Barnsley head coach Hourihane said: “I’ve not heard anything officially to say it’s happening or not. I have seen a few things said by certain people.

“I know Ireland have 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 of the big games and goals that he’s scored over the course of his career. For him to potentially be involved in a play-off campaign to go to the World Cup at his age would be pretty special. Let’s just see if it happens first.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Kelly could return to Barnsley’s squad for their trip to Mansfield Town on Saturday. He has missed the last three matches with a calf injury.

Hourihane said: “We’re hoping he will be involved at the weekend. That would make us better because Pat is a very very good player for us.

“We were hoping he would be back for international break to start with but, over the last ten days, he’s done a couple of bits and went to see people and it’s not as bad as first feared in terms of the length. The three games we have this week are really important and it’s important to have our best players involved.

“Hopefully he has a good couple of days and he can be involved at the weekend.”