United moved quickly to capture the signature of Ireland International 'keeper Joe Murphy in May 2006.

He has made two full international appearances for Ireland while also having appeared in a League Cup final and an FA Cup semi-final.

The stopper arrived on a free transfer from Sunderland where he spent much of last season as back up for Kelvin Davies.

Murphy started his career with Tranmere Rovers where he broke into the team as a teenager.

As an 18-year-old he became the youngest 'keeper to appear in a Wembley final although he finished on the losing side as two goals from former Iron Matt Elliott handed Leicester a 2-1 League Cup win.

A move to West Brom followed in 2002 but he made just three Premiership and three Championship appearances during his time there. However during his second season Murphy was called into the Republic of Ireland squad and made his debut against Turkey and earned his second cap against Canada.

Both before and after his move to Sunderland Murphy enjoyed loan spells at Walsall, one of which was during the 2005/06 season when he kept six clean sheets in 14 appearances.