DARYL Murphy admits he wants to establish himself as a recognised striker for Town this season – and win himself a permanent deal at Portman Road.

The 29-year-old, on a season-long loan from Celtic, was employed on the left of midfield for the majority of his 31 starts under former boss Paul Jewell last season.

But Murphy has begun forging a threatening partnership with DJ Campbell in Mick McCarthy’s fledgling Town team with the pair both scoring in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Burnley.

Murphy confirmed: “Upfront is definitely my favourite position – I’ve made no secret about that.

“I want to play as a striker. I think I give more to the team playing as a striker rather than left-midfield. I think I’m more involved in the game.

“It’s up to me to get on the end of balls that are pumped up and bring other players into the game.”

Murphy is now in his third loan spell at Portman Road and he admitted he would be keen on committing himself to the club for the long-term.

He revealed: “I would love to (sign permanently) but that’s up to the manager at the end of the day. All I can do is play the best I can and we’ll talk about my future at the end of the season.”

McCarthy, who signed Murphy while manager of Sunderland, has quickly made his mark at Ipswich, earning six points from a possible nine to lift Ipswich to just two points away from safety.

Murphy admitted he was delighted to be reunited with his old boss, adding: “Mick and [assistant manager] Terry Connor have been brilliant since they came in.

“Mick’s still the same man from when I worked under him at Sunderland. He’s as tough as ever, very positive, very ambitious and gives 100% in everything he does.

“He’s a good man-manager. He talks to players and he’s easy to talk to.

“He will put an arm round your shoulder when you need it but he will also give you harsh words if you need them too.

“Sometimes the manager needs to fire up his team and he is very good at that as well.”