Dreams coming true for Murphy in top flight

DARYL MURPHY says he’s “living the dream” as a Premiership and international footballer but, as all dreamers know, the occasional nightmare is bound to intrude.

Still reeling from Sunderland’s 3-0 loss to Wigan on Saturday, the former Waterford United striker is glad to be starting the new week in the more tranquil setting of the Irish camp.

While refusing to be drawn on Roy Keane’s understandably furious reaction to Saturday’s defeat, Murphy acknowledges that the Sunderland players know that they will have to do much, much better if they are going to survive, let alone thrive, in the top flight.