Mick McCarthy has completed yet another summer signing – this time a fourth choice goalkeeper.
Joe Murphy, who will celebrate his 24th birthday later this month, has joined Sunderland from West Brom on a one-year contract.
Dubliner Murphy, who has two international caps to his name, spent four years as a trainee at Tranmere Rovers, before signing for Gary Megson during his tenure at West Brom, in July 2002. He spent most of last season on loan at Walsall, making 27 appearances there.
The international appearances came in quick succession in Autumn 2003; firstly as a 74th minute substitute for Nick Colgan in a senior squad friendly against Turkey at Lansdowne Road, when he conceded a goal four minutes from time. His second appearance came two months later in a 3-0 defeat of Canada in another friendly.
He said today, “Once I had an offer on the table from Sunderland, I didn’t need to think about it.
“Sunderland is a huge club with a passionate set of fans and although I will have some stern competition from the other goalkeepers here, I know the experience will make me a better player.
“I really enjoyed getting some first team football under my belt at Walsall last season, hopefully I can force my way into Mick McCarthy’s ideas once the season gets under way.”
