Daryl Murphy seals move to Celtic

Jul 17 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

DARYL Murphy has completed a £1.5m move to Celtic as Nyron Nosworthy edges closer to sealing a loan move to Sheffield United, writes LUKE EDWARDS.

Murphy finally sealed his switch to Glasgow after travelling to Scotland to discuss personal terms yesterday after months of protracted negotiations.

But, with both clubs keen to get their squads into shape before the start of the new season, a compromise was reached on the size of the fee and Murphy has left after five largely disappointing years on Wearside.

The 27-year-old scored just 14 goals in 110 league appearances for the Black Cats following a move from Irish league side Waterford in 2005 during Mick McCarthy’s tenure and the Republic of Ireland international spent the end of last season on loan at Ipswich Town. Murphy said: “I don’t even know where to start.

“Being Irish, I grew up with Celtic everywhere and as a kid I supported them.

“The club’s history, the fans – there are a million reasons why I joined.”

Nosworthy also finished last season on loan in the Coca Cola Championship and the popular defender looks set to return to Sheffield United on a season’s deal.

Sunderland had been trying to sell the former Gillingham player this summer, but the Blades were unable to cover the cost of a transfer fee as well as his wages.

Bruce needs to cut costs at the club before he can bring players in and has decided it is better to allow Nosworthy to leave immediately on loan rather than take him with the rest of the squad to Portugal on Monday.

The Black Cats also saw Republic of Ireland Under 19 international midfielder Conor Hourihane sign for Ipswich Town yesterday. The 19-year-old turned down a deal at the Stadium of Light and penned a one-year contract at Portman Road where he will link up again with Roy Keane.

Meanwhile, Eric Black has revealed Stephen Ireland’s wage demands have deterred Sunderland from pursuing their interest in the midfielder.

While Black would love to see Ireland move to Sunderland from Manchester City it is not a deal he can see happening as things stand. He said: “It’d be a long shot. We have a certain level of salary here so I don't really see him coming in.”