He’s rubbed shoulders with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, but former Ipswich loanee Danny Higginbotham believes Daryl Murphy is one of the most talented players he has ever played with.

East Anglian Daily Times: Danny HigginbothamDanny Higginbotham

Murphy could be asked to play a lone striker’s role at league leaders Leicester City on Saturday, following the news that David McGoldrick is set for 10 weeks on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.

Saturday’s opponents have won nine and drawn one of their previous 10 games and while the task looks a daunting one, ex-Manchester United starlet Higginbotham believes eight-goal Murphy has the credentials to be Town’s new talisman.

“Murph is one of the most talented players I have played with but at times, and I am not being disrespectful, it is a case of whether he wants it,” said the defender, who was brought in on loan by former Town manager Paul Jewell.

“He has got everything. He can pop up with goals, play up top on his own, and he is one of the strongest lads around.

“He can definitely lead the line for Town and managers know they can bring other players into the game using his strength and movement.”

Town go into the game five points off the play-offs following last Saturday’s bore draw at home to Blackpool and while the top six this season could be a step too far, Higginbotham, who spent a short time under Mick McCarthy at Portman Road, is adamant the Blues will be in serious contention next season.

“Mick (McCarthy) knows the game inside-out and the additions he has brought in have made Town a lot stronger,” said the Gibraltar international. “If they don’t make the play-offs this season, I fully expect them to next time.

“I felt for (former Ipswich boss) Paul Jewell, nothing seemed to work for him, and Mick came in when the lads were all over the place and pulled everyone together. He has got the players on his side and I think it will be a case of onwards and upwards.”