Alex Murphy is in contention to make his international debut in Ireland’s upcoming friendly fixtures.
The Annaghdown man is in the squad for games against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium today (Thursday, May 28 ) and away to Canada on Saturday, June 6. It is likely Ireland boss Heimer Halgrimsson will call upon the Newcastle United defender at some point in either of these matches.
His first international call-up marks another milestone in the 21-year-olds career so far. The Galwegian has enjoyed a season of ups and downs. He has been an almost ever-present in senior matchday squads for Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League, most recently coming on for the final six minutes of Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Fulham on the final day of the season. But Murphy has found first-team minutes hard to come by, and as a result of his senior status has been unable to feature regularly in the U21 set-up.
Making his full Champions League debut at St James’ Park against Qarabag in February was undoubtedly the season highlight for the young Galwegian. Howe has spoken glowingly about him, but he may need to look further afield if he is to get the minutes a developing defender needs. A loan move for next season should be more likely than a permanent move away from Tyneside.
That being said, a first cap at the Aviva Stadium would be a sweet moment for the talented former Galway United defender, and another hallmark of his potential.
Murphy isn’t the only Galway representative in the Irish squad. Clostoken’s Conor Brann was also called-up by Halgrimsson for the friendlies against Qatar and Canada. The Cork City goalkeeper has been an ever present between the sticks as his side bid for an immediate return to the Premier Division. Brann, formerly of Salthill Devon and Galway United has been an integral cog in the Cork City machine that currently sits 12-points clear at the top of the First Division.
Carnmore’s Ryan Manning was forced to withdraw from the squad.
