BRIAN Murphy rates his new manager Roy Keane as one of the top two Irish players of all time.

Elvin King

BRIAN Murphy rates his new manager Roy Keane as one of the top two Irish players of all time.

Murphy, 26, should have his international clearance buttoned up in time to be considered for his Blues debut in Sunday's Coca-Cola Championship game at Leicester City (kick-off 3pm).

He is in his fourth week at Portman Road having signed on a Bosman from Republic of Ireland club Bohemians.

Murphy's previous taste of English football did not go down too well at Manchester City and in particular Swansea, and he admits that Keane's presence at Ipswich was a factor in his decision to move back across the Irish Sea after a trophy-filled three years in the Irish League.

“It is unbelievable to think that I am working with Roy Keane,” said Murphy.

“He is in my top two Irish players of all time, and I have felt good vibes about Ipswich since coming over for my medical and meeting the manager.

“If you put the work in you will get your rewards from him, and there has been a buzz around the club since I arrived.

“There was speculation about a move back to England or to Scotland.

“But I did not show any particular interest until I had confirmation of the Ipswich interest knowing what a manager they have and what a club they are.”

It was ex-Town manager Joe Royle who was instrumental in taking Murphy to the Manchester City academy and the ambitious youngster soon became involved around the first-team scene.

But his move to Swansea did not work out as planned.

“I enjoyed the training but as soon as that was over the truth hit me that I would not be playing at the weekend.

“I was only 22 and for the final six months of my time at Swansea I did not want to be there.

“But I want to be here, and it is down to myself how well I do.”

Murphy knows that he has to fight to gain a place in Keane's first team having seen how well Arran Lee-Barrett has done between the posts in recent weeks.

He was named Irish League player of the year and picked up eight other trophies for his efforts with Bohemians who were crowned Irish champions in November.

Murphy, who kept 63 clean sheets in 97 games, added: “As soon as the Ipswich deal was agreed I put it to the back of my mind and concentrated on winning games for Bohemians.

“But within seconds of the championship being won I was thinking about Ipswich.”