Londoner Murphy happy to answer Ireland’s call
The Arsenal frontman could make his first appearance for the Ireland U21s in tonight’s European Championship qualification opener against Hungary. After jumping ship from the Irish set-up with just one U16 cap to his name, Murphy became the strike partner of Manchester United’s Welbeck with England, including two years ago when they reached the U19 European Championship final.
Their paths went different directions; Welbeck gaining Premier League experience at Sunderland before making the breakthrough at Old Trafford this term while Murphy is at a loose end.
Arsenal are open to allowing him depart before his contract ends next year, with Middlesbrough and SPL champions Rangers taking initial notice without tabling any offers as yet. It’s not just his club career which has changed lane. Murphy made a surprise decision to defect from England back to Ireland earlier this year upon learning of interest from U21 boss Noel King.
His international status hasn’t altered the priority of following Welbeck towards Premier League stardom.
He said: “Danny has done really well for himself. I saw him on TV scoring goals this season and I’m very pleased for him. I played up front with him a few times, but it depended on the formation that we played as I was played out wide sometimes.
“He has come on in the last few months. Last season, he did well on loan at Sunderland and is now is proving himself at Manchester United. Whenever you play international football you are in the shop window and you get a chance to catch people’s eye.
“It is a great opportunity to show what you can do on a bigger stage.”
Murphy’s Irish connection stems from his late grandfather, who was born in Dublin, and the forward is a rare species in the modern game for shunning the attentions of England.
He said: “It was a big decision to switch back to Ireland but I feel that I made the right one. Obviously, when I played for Ireland I was a young lad and got to see how they work. A few of the coaches and lads have changed, but I enjoyed my time there — everyone is friendly and very serious about their football.
“I’ve still got some family over here in Ireland and they are pleased that I’ve come back. They’ll be in Sligo where hopefully I get to play some part against Hungary.”
King has replaced injured Crystal Palace striker Sean Scannell in his squad with Conor Hourihane of Plymouth. Following tonight’s game, the Irish travel to Izmir on Saturday ahead of the second instalment in the double-header against Turkey on Tuesday.
McLoughlin (MK Dons); Connolly (Bolton Wanderers), Duffy (Everton), Kiernan (Wigan Athletic) – capt, Gunning (Dundee United); Towell (Hibernian), Clifford (Chelsea), McCarthy (Wigan Athletic); Brady (Manchester United), Collins (Shrewsbury), White (Leeds United).
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