Tourists are here to play, says Murphy

BRENDAN MURPHY has told his Ireland team-mates that International Rules tourists Australia are here ‘to play football’, not rough us up.

The Carlow midfielder knows the majority of the Australian players from his two-year spell with the Sydney Swans and, in particular, Swans man and Aussie captain Adam Goodes.

He believes their squad selection of fast, exciting players reflects their determination to trade on skill and not simply rely on hard hitting.

Australia were criticised for their heavy handed approach when they last toured here in 2006 but Murphy has predicted a more free flowing and eye catching series this time around.

“The three boys from the Swans (Goodes, Kieran Jack and Jarrad McVeigh) I’d know and the rest of them I’d have a fair idea of,” said Murphy yesterday before joining up with his Ireland colleagues at their pre-test camp in Limerick.

“They haven’t picked a big strong team. There are no Barry Halls in there, just fit, fast runners who can carry the ball at pace. They’ll still be backing themselves to get the marks but they’re certainly coming to play football which, for fans, should be really exciting.”

Murphy, like Wicklow and Rathnew man Leighton Glynn, will play for Ireland before racing back home to focus on club commitments the following afternoon.

Murphy’s Rathvilly are in Carlow SFC final replay action on Sunday at 3.45pm.

“The plan is to play the first test, then it’ll be straight away for some food and back home to Carlow,” revealed Murphy.

“It’s all coming thick and fast but playing for Ireland is too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I’m confident I’ll get the right recovery and I’ll be fine for the two games.

“It’s a dream come true to be playing both. I asked around and all the (club) boys were fully supportive so I couldn’t turn down the Ireland opportunity. It might be the only chance I get.”

Ireland are privately hoping the prevailing wind blows through the Gaelic Grounds as usual on Saturday evening.

Kicking a round ball is an alien enough concept for the Australian players and even more so in windy conditions.

“Maybe, it could be useful all right,” said Murphy. “I think it would probably make it difficult for both teams though in fairness if the wind gets up.”