Murphy aiming for first cap

Brian Murphy spoke exclusively to Extratime.ie after Thursday's Ireland training as he geared up for Friday's game against Algeria - a game in which he hopes he will win his first cap.

Since leaving Airtricity League champions Bohemians to join-up with Roy Keane's Ipswich Town in late 2009, the Waterford-born keeper has finally gained the international recognition he couldn't get from Giovanni Trapattoni while he was playing for Bohs.

Murphy won back-to-back Goalkeeper of the Year awards when he served under Pat Fenlon and now, under Keane, Murphy has the chance to show a wider audience what he's capable of.

The ex-Bohs net-minder has spent plenty of time in the company of both his former and present manager, and he feels that both men are very much alike when it comes to their philosophies on the beautiful game.

“They're both football men and they both know their stuff. I suppose there are similarities. They are both well able to give a rollicking if you're not performing well.”

Murphy turned in some outstanding performances for the Tractor Boys last season, and from talking to the 27-year-old you can tell he's clearly enjoying his football across the water, despite being unable to really settle into a social life in England.

“It's been good. I've played most games since I've been there so it's been good,” he explained.

“I haven't really got a chance to settle there yet. I'm only there six months so I'm just concentrating on the games, it's more about the football at the minute rather than finding a good lifestyle.”

However despite his eye-catching performances last season and indeed his performances in Trappatoni's training camp, Murphy is still waiting for that much sought after first cap.

“Yeah, still waiting,” he laughed. “I don't know if I'll get on or play on Friday but it's just nice to be here training.”

'Super keeper' as he became known around Dalymount Park during his time with Bohs, still has plenty of time for his old club and was quick to comment on their fortunes this season.

“Their results are always the first I look out for. It's not been a great season for them so far, I know they won the Setanta Cup and they're only a couple of points off the top if they win their games in hand.”

He also talked about the competition for the number one berth since his departure, and he insisted that both of Pat Fenlon's pre-season purchases are capable replacements.

“Chris [O'Connor] and Barry [Murphy] are both good goalkeepers. It's probably not the easiest thing to go and play for Bohs but they will learn quite quickly,” he concluded.