DARYL Murphy is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott by using the Stadium of Light as a springboard to international honours with the Republic of Ireland.

Murphy is gradually forcing his way into the first-team picture on Wearside, with Saturday's starting spot at Birmingham making it 13 senior appearances since last summer's £100,000 move from Irish minnows Waterford.

Ironically, given the pair's shared upbringing in the Irish Under-21 set-up, Murphy's opportunities have been enhanced by Elliott's absence.

The former Manchester City trainee has barely figured this season, with a recurring back problem sidelining him for almost four months of a calamitous campaign.

He is back to full fitness now though and, despite not having started for Sunderland since early November, is expected to feature in Steve Staunton's first game as Republic of Ireland boss tomorrow.

That will come three days after picking up his country's Young International of the Year award.

Sweden are the visitors to Belfast and, with Elliott poised to appear from the bench, Murphy is hoping to emulate his compatriot's stellar rise over the course of the next 12 months.

"Nobody had really heard of Stephen before the start of last season," said the 22-year-old. "He was playing in Manchester City's reserves and was seen as a bit of an unknown quantity.

"But since then he's proved himself for Sunderland and done well for his country. When I look at the progress he's made here, I think 'If he can do it, maybe I can as well'.

"I played with Stephen for the Under-21s and have seen the way his career has taken off. I talked with both him and Sean Thornton before coming here, and they both said Sunderland would be a great place for me to learn and get noticed."

With Liam Lawrence gaining his first taste of international football this week, and boss Mick McCarthy having managed at Lansdowne Road for six-and-a-half-years, the Black Cats now boast a significant Irish influence.

Lawrence qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather and, while the Retford-born midfielder is unlikely to figure too prominently tomorrow, Murphy insists he will eventually become a key member of Staunton's squad.

"I'm really pleased for Liam and I'm sure he'll be a big success for Ireland," he said.

"His call-up is fully deserved because he's been playing really well for us this season.

"He's scored some terrific goals and his all-round play has been excellent.

"A lot of lads were asking me who he was before the start of the season and, if I'm honest, I didn't really know an awful lot about him.

"They're not asking me now though and they're delighted to have him on board for Ireland."

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