“Should not be allowed to play in League One” – Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley has message for Derby County star | OneFootball

Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley joked that Derby forward David McGoldrick ‘should not be allowed’ to play in League One after his impressive display on Friday night.

In the 0-0 draw between Portsmouth and Derby, it was McGoldrick who looked the most likely player to grab the winner as he went closest when hitting the bar in the first half.

It would have summed up a dominating performance from the experienced attacker who looked head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the pitch at Fratton Park on Friday night.

It led to Cowley joking that McGoldrick shouldn’t be playing at League One level, telling the media after the game: “David McGoldrick shouldn’t be allowed to play in League One, it isn’t fair. He’s so talented.”

McGoldrick has been in fine form of late for the Rams, scoring four goals in his last six games in all competitions which includes a hat trick – his first in his career – against Bristol Rovers.

It was a game on Friday night that lacked quality, with McGoldrick producing the game’s only real moment of individual brilliance when he hit the bar from the edge of the area.

He caught the ball well, before swivelling and shooting a volley that clipped the top of the bar in which goalkeeper Josh Griffiths was rooted to the spot.

Both sides dropped out of the top six with both Barnsley and Bolton picking up wins, although they are just one point off the playoff places.

Quiz: What shirt number are these 25 current Derby County players?

1 of 25

Conor Hourihane?

4 7 10 13

The Verdict

It was a tight game that McGoldrick pretty much dominated on his own. The key moments between both sides involved the former Sheffield United attacker and he’ll hope that his positive form can continue.

Getting a consistent run of games under his belt has been a struggle but the injury troubles at the start of the season seem to be behind them.

With Derby missing several players, McGoldrick has needed to step up and he has and is likely to continue improving as he fitness increases with the more game time he gets.