Ireland boss Martin O’Neill says Blues striker Daryl Murphy "played very well indeed" during Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Blackpool.

O’Neill, who was a guest of the club at that game, says Murphy has been recalled almost six years after his ninth and most recent cap as first-choice frontman Robbie Keane is staying in the US with the LA Galaxy.

“I went to Ipswich on Saturday. I thought Murphy played very well indeed,” O’Neill said. “I’ve spoken to Mick and he’s been happy with him during the course of time.

“If Robbie wasn’t going to be involved with us, let’s get [Murphy] in. Let’s get him involved. I’m sure it will be a boost for him.”

Murphy says the call came out of the blue: “It was a bit of a surprise, the call-up but a nice one,” he told the club site.

“I didn’t have an inkling that I would be included. I finished training and noticed there were a few missed calls on my phone and then someone told me I was in the squad.

“I knew Martin O’Neill was at the game against Blackpool on Saturday but I didn’t think any more about it, you just get on with the game.

“Obviously I’m delighted to be called up. It’s a great honour to play for your country and although I haven't played for Ireland for six years, I’ve always felt that if I was playing well enough then that opportunity might come along again.”

Photo: Action Images

Tractamatt added 17:22 - Feb 20 Hope this gives him a boost to become a 15+ goals a season striker a good hard working team player
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brassy added 17:34 - Feb 20 can we risk murphs in a friendly with didz already missing?
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Sindre94 added 17:41 - Feb 20 Always underrated at Town this lad. He's now being rewarded for all the effort he puts in. Congrats Daryl!
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blueblood66 added 18:19 - Feb 20 Keane is a fan of course, I assume he would have phoned Murph?
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harlingblue added 18:51 - Feb 20 A well deserved call up, Murph has worked very hard for the team both as a foil for Didz and also stout defending when required.
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Ipswich121 added 23:49 - Feb 20 Maybe that's why Everone played soooo bad on Saturday- basically our whole team is Irish. If they knew MON was there, there would have been added pressure.
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