Emily Murphy on her reunion with Ward and Tyneside targets

Republic of Ireland attacker Emily Murphy is ready for a fresh start on the international stage under her old boss Carla Ward after returning to the English club game last month.

In 2021, a 17-year-old Murphy went on loan from Chelsea to Birmingham City, where then-manager Ward was battling to preserve the Blues' Women's Super League status. She pulled it off against the odds, defying limited resources and difficult club constraints that were present at that time.

The pair went their separate ways after that. Murphy spent a couple of years studying political science and playing college soccer at Wake Forest University in North Carolina; Ward further embellished her coaching reputation at Aston Villa, eventually stepping away from the post last May to spend more time with her daughter.

Now their paths have crossed again. Ward succeeded Eileen Gleeson as Ireland boss last month and named Murphy in her first squad. Just before the January transfer window closed, Murphy completed a move to Championship outfit Newcastle United.

New challanges, fresh opportunities.

"I'm excited," said Murphy ahead of Friday's Nations League clash against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium.

"I think all of us are. It’s a fresh start and something we’re all ready for. We don’t know how she’s going to play with us. Obviously we’ve different personnel and qualities and characteristics that she’s had in previous sides so it will be interesting and something we’re really excited for."

Murphy just want to be a part of it all. She missed the Euro 2025 play-off semi-final games against Georgia because Wake Forest would not release her due to a clash with their own roster of matches. That, Murphy admits now, was a source of deep frustration.

"Look, I don't want to