IPSWICH Town boss Paul Jewell today confirmed that he plans to give Brian Murphy a start in goal before the end of the season.

After Arran Lee-Barrett’s nightmare game in Thursday’s 5-1 home defeat by Norwich City, the Republic of Ireland international could get his chance in today’s Championship fixture against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium (kick-ff 3pm).

Murphy, who replaced Marton Fulop for a number of games before breaking his ankle in the autumn, is now fully fit, but has yet to appear in a squad selected by Paul Jewell since the manager’s arrival in early January.

“It’s not for sure yet, but I’d like to give Brian Murphy a game between now and the end of the season,” said Jewell.

Murphy has been offered a new contract and is currently thinking this over and with Fulop currently out of favour with Jewell and Lee-Barrett showing a few frailties on Thursday he would appear to have every chance of taking the number one jersey next season.

Mark Kennedy trained on Saturday with a view to being in the squad that flew to Wales at the weekend.

“Mark has a slight hamstring problem and we do not want to take any risks,” added Jewell.

“Darren O’Dea is a terrific professional and deep down he knows that central defence is his best position, but when asked he will play any role to the best of his ability.

“We might miss Mark, but I’ll not knock Darren – they are different types of player.”

Andy Drury could feature today with Lee Martin still suspended after impressing when he came on at the interval against the Canaries.

“Andy has had a dip that I expected after his move from the Blue Square Premier,” Jewell went on. “He has had to adjust to Championship training that is more physical than he has been used to.

“He did not look out of place on Thursday and whatever happens this season he will be better for it next season.”

Jewell added that he would like to give 17-year-old defender Joe Whight his first taste of first team football if he can in the next three games.

Luciano Civelli and Jaime Peters have been permanent fixtures on the substitutes’ bench, and when asked about their chances of a start, Jewell replied:

“When the lads selected play well I want them to play.

“I see in training who is sharp who is not and who looks flat and who ready to play.”

Striker Tamas Priskin is not allowed to play today under the terms of his Swansea loan agreement from Portman Road with Jewell explaining: “Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers knows Tamas better than I do and maybe we have not got the best out of him.

“Tamas is a good player on his day, but he has been inconsistent.

“I’m told that Swansea are the best footballing side in the division but Norwich would push them close.

“So we know we are in for a tough game and hopefully we can defend better and also do better higher up the pitch.”

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