Former Celt makes international return- after six year exile

Daryl Murphy has been recalled to the Ireland international squad by Martin O’Neill.

The Ipswich striker, who is approaching his 31st birthday has been included in a 29 man squad for the friendly with Serbia on March 5.

Murphy joined Celtic in July 2010 but was unable to break up the Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper partnership despite scoring one outstanding Lionel Messi type goal during his hoops career.

After a season on loan at Ipswich Town he joined the Championship side on a permanent deal and has played a major role in the play-off push by Mick McCarthy’s side forcing his way back into the international squad after a six year exile.

Discussing his international recall Murphy told the Herald: “I never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to be involved again. Whether that was going to happen or not was the question and now it has happened, I am just delighted.

“It was a long time ago since I was involved with Ireland, going on six years, and all that time people often asked me if I thought it was too late. I gave everyone the same answer, that if I was performing at club level and playing consistently, I might have a chance and that’s how it has turned out.

“When you reach 30 and you’re not in the top division, you do sometimes think that international football won’t happen, but in all that time, and all those squads I missed out on, I never gave up.”

Discussing his relationship with O’Neill’s assistant Roy Keabe, Murphy added: “I always had a good relationship with him, with Roy as manager if you kept your head down and worked hard you never had a problem, all he expects is that you give 100% and do your work and if you do that for Roy, you will do ok.

“Roy Keane has been to a few of our games at Ipswich and Martin O’Neill was here to see us last weekend, so that’s good to know, it’s a boost for players like myself – and indeed the other Irish lads at Ipswich like Paul Green and Stephen Hunt – to see the Ireland boss at your game.

“The Championship is nowhere near the Premier League in terms of reputation, but it’s still a tough league. If you are in form, you should at least get an opportunity no matter which league you are in.”

Anthony Stokes and Aiden McGeady are also in the 28 man squad to face Serbia.