Town boss Mick McCarthy felt Blues striker Daryl Murphy was excellent in the games he played for the Republic of Ireland at the European Championships in France. The 33-year-old, who joins up with the Blues squad for pre-season training today having been given additional time off, was an unused sub for the first two group games before starting the victory over Italy and the round-of-16 defeat to the hosts.

“I was delighted he played,” former Ireland boss McCarthy said. “Murph said that at the end of the season when we couldn’t go up I made sure he was fit for the Euros, and having done that I’m pleased that he got to play.

“And I thought he was excellent in the games he played. I thought they found him a real handful to cope with.

“He’s had a couple of weeks off and he’s back in on Tuesday, then he’ll be looking to be involved in the games from then on.”

Photo: Action Images

Keaneish added 07:59 - Jul 12 Lets not start this again, the season hasn't even started yet! He did OK Mick, nothing more. Stop it now, its boring.
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Surco72 added 08:15 - Jul 12 0 goals in 20 odd games would suggest he is not quite at international standard but did ok in the games I watched
11

Radlett_blue added 08:48 - Jul 12 Murphy is now 33 & expecting him to lead our line for 40+ games this season is unrealistic. While we have 3 other strikers, none can come close to doing the job that he does. Another unresolved issue..
6

RonFearonsHair added 10:45 - Jul 12 I hope Sears is our main centre forward this year and Murphy backup.
4

TR11BLU added 12:43 - Jul 12 Dino laments the worth of one his love children Shock - Horror
0

essexbluey added 13:01 - Jul 12 Think excellent is a bit strong mick? This is random but got talking to a mate and iam still angry with mick about his east anglian derby comments 2 seasons back, think he said or hinted that he had played and managed in a lot bigger local game's, WELL MICK ITS MASSIVE FOR THE FANS WHO TURN UP AT PORTMAN ROAD,
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mutters added 13:19 - Jul 12 essexbluey : understand where the anger is coming from, but man you just need to let it go before it all consumes you. ;-)
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cats_whiskers added 13:21 - Jul 12 McCarthy once again having a "Giraffe" Murphy only played in just two games and never tested the goalie once Last year Murphy failed to score in the first 13 matches (was that also bordering on being excellent too?) Unfortunately Murphy is past his sell by date and is not able to fulfill a full season and the other forwards have no aerial threat. So we will definitely struggle to score goals, as on the ground there isn't anyone in midfield whose classed as a schemer to create consistently or an effective winger who can pass it either for the "strikers" to feed off.

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Penguinblue added 13:52 - Jul 12 An average player who had one very good season (before last). Now sometimes wins the first ball (from our up and unders) but rarely the second. Having been rested by our tactically astute (not) manager - he owes ITFC
1

tractorboybig added 17:57 - Jul 12 The worker up front, presses opposing defenders, needs sears to play off him,(both as strikers not on the bye line) would help if there was a midfielder to put the scraps in the net. Getting old though.
2

Penguinblue added 19:04 - Jul 12 mutters are you the TWTD psychiatrist?
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