BLACK Cats pair Paul McShane and Daryl Murphy are set to snub interest from former boss Roy Keane as they look to take advantage of a fresh start under new Sunderland boss Steve Bruce.
Ipswich were credited with interest in the Republic of Ireland pair last week – along with winger Carlos Edwards – and The Journal understands that they are on a long list of players that Keane is looking at as he hopes to replicate the recruitment strategy that helped to get Sunderland out of the Championship.
But, despite being on the fringes of the first-team squad, neither player is keen on moving away from Wearside until they have at least had the chance to meet their new manager.
Bruce discussed potential outgoings with chairman Niall Quinn during the long negotiations between the pair in the run-up to his appointment – and is determined to have a more streamlined squad next season. But he has also made it clear that no one will be pre-judged and that every member of the squad will have a chance to stake their claim when the players return for pre-season training at the start of July.
That has encouraged the likes of McShane and Murphy, who didn’t play much first-team football at the Stadium of Light last season.
Aware of Bruce’s reputation for rehabilitating players like Titus Bramble, the duo would like to work with the new backroom staff before looking elsewhere for their opportunities.
For McShane, news of Keane’s interest came as something of a surprise, given that the former Sunderland boss had little contact with him during the time the pair were on Wearside together.
The defender remains a target for Hull City, though, and is understood to want more first-team football as he seeks to retain his place in the Irish side ahead of the World Cup next summer.
Murphy is another player attracting Championship interest and with Bruce set to make an imminent move for Darren Bent, his chances of first-team football appear slim.
But he is on a long-term contract and under no obligation to move on quickly.
Despite being on holiday in Portugal, Bruce is assembling his plans for next year – and it will involve plenty of incomings.
