Town loan star Daryl Murphy has cited Middlesbrough’s FA Cup extra-time replay defeat by in-form Sunderland as a measure of the task facing him and his team-mates at Portman Road today.
Boro may not have won a league game since Boxing Day but the way they pushed Martin O’Neill’s men all the way over two pulsating games certainly impressed Murphy, a former Black Cat himself.
Murphy, 28, said: "I watched Wednesday’s game at the Riverside on the box and it was clear to see that Boro, even without a few players through injury, are still a quality side.
"They were well worth their draw at the Stadium of Light and then they pushed Sunderland right to the wire the other night. It was a tremendous display considering they had to put out a weakened team.
"They have not been winning league games but they are still sitting sixth in the table, which is great credit to them, and they are in there fighting for promotion.”
On a personal note, Murphy is enjoying his role on the left of midfield more with every game that passes and added: "I’m getting a lot more comfortable there and being part of a settled side has definitely helped because all the players get used to each other.
"I don’t mind the defensive part of the game. If I have to help out the left-back, that’s fine. It’s about doing it for the team. Every player likes to get forward, get crosses in and score goals, but there’s what I call the horrible stuff to be done as well.” Murphy was delighted to end a ten-game drought and net his second goal of the season in the recent 5-1 home hammering of Championship leaders West Ham. He said: "It was a great game to score in and with my goal being our second of the night I felt it was really important. It was vital that we added more goals after we opened the scoring and not allow West Ham to get back into it.” Photos: Action ImagesWhat to read next:
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