Keeper Brian Murphy says he is hoping to pick up his first full cap during the two upcoming Republic of Ireland friendlies. Murphy joined up with a training camp in Dublin yesterday with the friendlies against Paraguay and Algeria on May 25th and 28th.
Murphy said: "I'm delighted to be here as being in the Ireland squad is another step for me. I suppose the first big step was getting to Ipswich and I have done OK there, but it would really raise my profile back in England if I can win a cap, and hopefully I can play a part.
"I am only new to the squad and I have to earn my place in the team. I don't know what the plans are for the two friendlies but it would be great if I could play a part, I will be disappointed if I don't play but I will respect the manager's decision, I'd love to get a cap."
On Tuesday the Irish senior side take on an U23 team made up of players from the League of Ireland in a training game, a match Murphy says shouldn’t be taken lightly: "There is a lot of young talent in the league now, I've seen the U23 squad and I know how many good players are in it, and it was nice to see a couple of the Bohemians lads there as well, like Conor Powell [linked with Town back in November] and Paddy Madden, so it should be a good game.
"Those players have a chance to impress the senior team manager so they'll be eager to do well."
The Waterford-born keeper says he expects Town boss Roy Keane to make changes during the summer, but hopes he is still very much in his plans: "The manager has to change things, last season was a big disappointment for everyone, where we finished up wasn't good enough.
"In the second half of the season our form would have been good enough for the top six, but we didn't start the season well, and we drew a lot of games.
"I'm sure the manager plans to bring in players but hopefully I'll still be in his thoughts and his team for the start of next season."
Photo: ITFC