Daryl Murphy Bio Send To Friend  

Signed by Mick McCarthy the former Republic of Ireland U21 international scored his first Premier League goal under Roy Keane in August 2007 - a last minute winner against Tottenham in Sunderland's first game back in the top-flight.

During the 2007/08 season he made 22 starts, scoring three goals, including the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over local rivals Middlesbrough, to continue his progress under Keane and secure Sunderland's Premier league status.

Granted the number 11 shirt in the summer of 2006 Murphy took a while to get into the reckoning but weighed in with 10 goals to play a part in their Championship campaign.

Under the previous regime the big, strong striker bagged 21 goals for his club in 2004/05.

He made his debut in a 1-1 home draw with West Ham United, replacing Andrew Welsh in the 87th minute. His first Premiership start came in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal where he was considered to be one of the better performers.

Murphy was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of November 2005 for first team experience, making his debut in a 2-0 home defeat to Stoke City. He returned to Sunderland in January but he played only five games in their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2005/06 season.