Second coming beckons for in-form Irish striker

Daryl Murphy admits to having believed his international days were done and having gone almost six years without a cap at one stage it’s not too hard to see why.

The appointment of Martin O'Neill, however, has offered new opportunities and after returning to squad as well as making three appearances as substitute, the 31-year-old is hopeful his recent form for Ipswich has put him in contention for a rare start against Gibraltar.

The Ecuador game back in 2007, when he made his debut, remains the only occasion on which Murphy has been on from the outset for his country. Since then he has played bit parts or none, as Robbie Keane kept scoring and others, mainly Kevin Doyle and Shane Long, alternated the co-starring role.

Form of his life

Murphy, though, has hit what may well be the form of his life since his second half appearance against

Oman

a little over a month ago, and with five goals in six games helping Mick McCarthy’s side climb the Championship table. The striker believes playing centrally and regularly has helped make the difference, with the number of chances created by the team in recent weeks providing the opportunity for him to translate the improvement into goals.

O’Neill readily acknowledges he has been impressed. “He’s done exceptionally well I’ve seen him three times this season, been stalking him, and had a wee chat with him yesterday. He feels he’s playing in his best position after a spell out on the left hand side. He’s playing with confidence, holding it up, and looks as if he’s dangerous.

“He looks at this minute, when he runs, as if he’s got a half-yard from somewhere. In Championship games he’s played in that I’ve seen, he has been very impressive and confident. I thought there was an improvement from last year and he’s coming here with more confidence than he’s ever had.”

Murphy is happy with the way things have picked up for him under the new man, and delighted his recent form has at least meant there’s a serious case to be made for his inclusion this weekend. “Yeah, I actually didn’t think I’d be back to be honest with you,” he admits.

“And then the new management came in and I was picked. I was surprised but I just got my head down. It has given me a little lift, getting back in, and I think that has shown in my performances with Ipswich. Sometimes something like this happens and it gives you that little boost.

“Now he [O’Neill] has been to a few games . . . and I’ve been scoring a few goals, I’m sure he’s seen that. I think a lot of the places are there to be fought for but at the end of the day it’s the manager’s decision who he is going to pick and who he is going to stick with.”

More competition

He may have more competition soon, with team-mate David McGoldrick in the latter stages, he says, of sorting out his eligibility to play and Murphy believes the 26-year-old is well capable of making a contribution.

“He picks up positions and little pockets, someone like Wes [Hoolahan] who gets in those areas and makes things happen . . . He is an exciting player and he’s only 26 so he has a lot to offer.”