Murphy Back in the Frame

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Irish Voice Sport

Murphy Back in the Frame

February 28, 2008

By Cathal Dervan

GEORDAN Murphy hopes his Croke Park heroics against Scotland have handed Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan a selection headache for the visit of Wales in a Triple Crown showdown on Saturday, March 8.

Murphy walked away with the man of the match award after he was called in 24 hours before the game as a replacement for injured full-back Girvan Dempsey.

The Leicester Tiger, who had already gone back to England after he was left out of the original 22 man squad, can hardly be dropped even if he was self assuming after the game.

“I don’t think I deserved man of the match against Scotland either, but it makes for a good story. They gave it to the fairytale,” laughed Murphy.

“I hope I’ve given Eddie a selection dilemma. That was the aim. You have to lay down a marker when you get the chance. I’ve given myself a shot and now it’s up to Eddie.

“It’s been a rollercoaster week. I was nervous before the match and there was a bit of pressure there from other sources.

“I never thought it was the end of my international career. I’ve been in that position before. It’s not the first time I’ve been left out and the thing was always to remain positive. Being dropped like that does dent your confidence but you get yourself back after a day or so.

“I wasn’t entirely happy with my display in France but I set myself high standards. However, I was a little bit surprised to be left out.”

Murphy played on the wing in the defeat in France a fortnight ago but agrees with the consensus that full-back is his best position.

The Kildare native added, “I don’t want to seem ungrateful because I’ll play anywhere in an Ireland shirt — even prop — but I’ve always said 15 is where I want to be. I haven’t seen a whole lot of time in the position but that’s sometimes been down to the breaks in luck.

“I see everything unfolding in front of me while on the wing you try to keep your wits. On the wing you finish tries whereas I look at full-back as more of a creative role. I enjoy playing there and that’s where I’ve been playing for Leicester for the last few years. I’m used to it now.

In other rugby news, Ireland and Ulster prop Simon Best has been forced to retire on medical advice after suffering heart problems during the World Cup in France last September.

Best was rushed to hospital in Bordeaux amid fears he had suffered a stroke, but tests later revealed the presence of an irregular heartbeat.

“It’s with great sadness that I am forced to retire from the game at this stage in my career,” said Best. “However, I have no regrets and feel immensely proud and privileged to have represented both Ulster and Ireland for the past nine years.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with coaches, management and players that I have had the utmost respect for. I would like to thank the Ulster and Ireland supporters and my friends and family for their loyalty and support throughout my career and during this difficult time.”

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