DARYL MURPHY was Sunderland's first summer recruit but was the last of those signings to be handed the chance to make an impression in the Premiership by manager Mick McCarthy.

And, having finally been thrown into action against West Ham ten days ago, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is ready to accept a change of role in his attempts to become a more influential figure.

After moving from Irish league club Waterford for £100,000, Murphy was always going to find the step up to the English top-flight huge.

But, after spending the last three months training with the rest of the Black Cats squad, the striker was given the opportunity as a left-midfielder in the draw with the Hammers.

And Murphy has also been told by McCarthy that his future at the club could be in an even more defensive role, as a converted left-back.

"I played there for the reserves - I had never played there before in my life. We were just messing about in training one day and I was playing at left-back and the gaffer seemed to like me playing there, so we gave it a go," said Murphy.

"It gives him and me extra options.

"I have always liked to get out on the wing to cross balls in, I enjoy setting things up for other people. But, as a striker, scoring goals myself is my main priority and I know that I can do it here.

"If the gaffer wanted me to play at left-back again, I wouldn't say that I didn't want to. It's not my preferred position but I will do whatever I can to get into the team. Even if it means playing in defence."

Murphy operated at left back in the recent reserves draw with Aston Villa, although he was back up front scoring the winner in the second-string's win over Manchester City.

He performed well in both outings and it was no coincidence that, sandwiched in between, was his first team debut against West Ham.

"It's always nice to score your first goal at your home ground and, although it was only for the reserves, it was a great feeling to score at the Stadium of Light," said Murphy.

Now that £1.8m striker Jon Stead has recovered from a hip injury, Murphy will have to wait to see whether he finds himself on the bench against Manchester United this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sunderland's French forward Anthony Le Tallec scored a hat-trick for France Under-21s against Switzerland over the weekend.

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