IPSWICH are giving a trial to Irish goal ace Daryl Murphy.The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is being put through his paces at Portman Road this week.

IPSWICH are giving a trial to Irish goal ace Daryl Murphy.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is being put through his paces at Portman Road this week.

Town boss Joe Royle said: “Having the chance to take a look at Daryl at close quarters was too good an opportunity to miss.

“He comes highly recommended after we received a number of favourable reports, but for the time being we're having a look - no more than that.”

Murphy, 21, was Waterford United's top scorer with 22 goals in the recently ended 2004 campaign.

He netted 14 times in the league, helping the club where former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath is the director of football to finish fifth.

See tonight's Evening Star for full story