Town have confirmed the signing of Bohemians keeper Brian Murphy on a free transfer, as first revealed by TWTD back in August. The 26-year-old, who earlier today was called into the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time, has signed an 18-month contract.

The former Manchester City and Swansea man officially join the Blues in January when the transfer window opens with the Irish season ending tonight and his Bohemians side already champions in all but name.

Murphy, who will start training the Blues prior to his move being formalised, started his career in England with Manchester City, during which time he spent spells on loan at Oldham and Peterborough. While at London Road, he made his first senior appearance in his only game for the Posh.

In 2003, after three years at Eastlands, Murphy moved on to Swansea, where he made 18 appearances before returning to Ireland in 2007.

Capped by the Republic of Ireland at U19, U20 and U21 levels, the 6ft 1in tall keeper has long been tipped for senior international honours. In 2008 he was named the FAI League of Ireland Player of the Year.

Asmir Begovic’s loan and Arran Lee-Barrett’s short-term deal are both set to end in January when Murphy is able to start playing for the Blues.

Town have also been linked Bohemians midfielder Gary Deegan, who is also out of contract at the end of the Irish season, although compensation would be due to Bohs and to his former club Shelbourne for the 21-year-old under FIFA rules if the Blues choose to follow up their interest.

Photo: Action Images

saturday_superhouse added 16:08 - Nov 6 Will be interesting who our first choice gk will be in jan, Begovic has been flawless, but I assume he'll be difficult to sign permanently.
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jas0999 added 16:17 - Nov 6 Goods news, although I personally hope Begavic stays on. Still at least there is competion for Wright. Hopefully it will make him raise his game!
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TRUEBLUE1974 added 16:18 - Nov 6 A VERY POSITIVE MOVE BY KEANO TO MAKE THE SQUAD STRONGER
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corrick added 16:32 - Nov 6 Another example of why i can't believe anything Keane say's, it was only earlier he said he isn't confirming any signings untill january! Yet a few hours later a signing is announced, yeah it may be for january but still.. He is worse than the press themselves
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FormerlyCGS added 16:43 - Nov 6 TRUEBLUE1974 its a sub goalkeeper hardly a 'very positive move by Keano' as you so overstatedly put it! How about more than 1 win in 15 to be a positive move
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TRUEBLUE1974 added 16:50 - Nov 6 i think he has come to town to push the other keepers all the way , as i did say hes bought him in to make the squad stronger
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lilian3415 added 17:07 - Nov 6 well said callum - straight to the point again. another irishman in the healey & delaney mould?
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nthstd added 17:08 - Nov 6 Yet more proof that"you can't believe everything you read on websites" as Mr Keane said. I mean who could possibly speculate about another keeper!
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copamundial added 17:15 - Nov 6 saturday_superhouse I wouldn't say berkavic has been flawless i remember him getting nutmegged for goal against Swansea and should of done better
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TractorMan added 17:43 - Nov 6 This signing was sealed in August, so Keane isn't lying. Try and keep up with the news people! ;o) He's a very good keeper, especially with Supple now gone. Begovic will be gone in January as he is costing us upwards of 10k per week which we could spend on a defender to parter McCauley in January.
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streety86 added 18:18 - Nov 6 Thought this was daryl murphy at first...... sigh of relief!
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jakeitfcster added 18:39 - Nov 6 Thank you tractorman, saved me having to write the obvious however i'm slightly apprehensive about this signing based on the previous signings made in the Irish leagues. A new player is always good to see (most of the time). would rather see Begovic stay though so long as Pompey allow us to.
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haynes_is_a_ledgend added 18:59 - Nov 6 well i would just put a big bid on for begovic and thats our keeper then another on gio
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saturday_superhouse added 20:07 - Nov 6 copamundial, I didn't really get a great view of that because I sit in the britannia next to the tunnel, but he made countless great saves against Derby and he seemed to have shored up the defence aswell, and I was against Wright being dropped in the first place, but so far he's done really well.
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slowerball added 01:03 - Nov 7 Murphy is decent and needs to play at a higher level to assist his International ambitions. Begovic will be Portsmouth's No.1 in Jan when James goes to Spurs. We are just warming him up. The boy looks good so in my opinion its a shame he won't stay. Murphy & Wright (after his reality check) will battle it out for No.1 spot. No bad thing.
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raycrawfordswig added 09:06 - Nov 7 Some people only happy having a good moan
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eyeinthesky added 11:54 - Nov 7 never was happy with the signing of colin healy but some league of ireland players do work out, keith fahey worked out for birmingham last year, kevin doyle with reading now wolves, paddy mccourt looks good at celtic, murphy seems to be in their class if not better.keeper of the year each yr in his 3 yrs in ireland, first ever keeper to get player of year in their league and now in the irish international set-up. boasts a good clean sheets record too. http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1868596,00.html

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devontractorboy added 12:44 - Nov 7 Looks a good signing, real competition for Richard Wright, who I honestly feel sorry for at the moment. How fickle fans are, his form over the past 12 months has kept us in many games, a few bad ones and some of you couldn't wait to slag him off. I hope Wrighty comes out fighting to prove you all wrong I still think the best is yet to come from him in his 30's Finest shot stopper in the championship IMO.

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Keaneish added 20:55 - Nov 7 Callum Garry - you are boring. Bored of your 1 win in 15 rhetoric every time. Clearly you aren't one of the town fans who gave a standing ovation at Watford or Derby and i bet you weren't amongest the 2000 strong at Reading today either. Back to the issue at hand. Delighted another keeper of International pedigree is coming to the club. Agreed Begovic has been good for us, although a few faults today. He seems he brings calm to the back four, just need Priskin and co to start firing now!

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