Town striker Daryl Murphy has not given up hope of earning a recall to the Republic of Ireland squad.

Already the proud holder of nine senior caps, the last of which he earned in a 1-1 friendly draw in Norway in 2008, Murphy would love to capture the attention of new management team Martin O’Neill and his assistant, former Ipswich boss Roy Keane.

When Keane brought Murphy to Portman Road on loan from Sunderland - where he had previously been his boss - in February 2010 the player netted six times in 18 league games.

He had a further two loan spells before Mick McCarthy, the man who took him from Waterford United to the Stadium of Light in 2005, signed him on a permanent deal at Portman Road in the summer.

Murphy is keeping an open mind about a possible return from his international exile and knows his best hope of earning a recall is to continue to deliver the goods at club level.

He added: “If they want to come and watch me play and I’m doing well we’ll see what happens. But we’re in the top six now and my main focus is Ipswich and trying to keep us there.

"If anything happens above that it will be a bonus. I’ve made no secret of the fact that I would love to play for my country again but whether or not I get picked is another thing.

“I think Roy has rated me but there are a lot of quality players out there who have not yet been given a chance in the Ireland team and there are others who have been there for years.

“It will be a tough task but if I keep playing in the team, get a few goals and Ipswich are doing well then you never know.”

Meanwhile, Murphy is doing his best to help fellow former Waterford player Jack Doherty settle in Suffolk following his move from the League of Ireland club last summer.

Murphy said: “When Jack first arrived he was homesick and understandably so. You try to look out for him as best you can and try to get him out and about and help him. I think he has settled in now, knows where he’s at and is fine.”

Photo: Action Images

dogburtino added 07:21 - Jan 3 If they want to come and watch me play.... I am not sure the dark lord would be welcome back to watch anyone play
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bobble added 08:34 - Jan 3 thats all we need, the dark lord coming back from the dead and cursing us....
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