Murphy has joined Celtic on a three-year deal

Daryl Murphy says he is realising a "boyhood dream" after joining Celtic from Sunderland.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland forward has signed a three-year deal with the Glasgow club, with the transfer fee believed to be £1.5m.

"A lot of my family support Celtic and they are die-hard fans," he said.

"I supported them as a boy and grew up knowing about the club. As soon as I heard it was concrete that they wanted me, it was an automatic choice."

Murphy, a left-footed player, has played in central and wide areas in his career and is eager to establish himself in Neil Lennon's side as striker.

"We want to win, that's the main objective here," he said. "I also want to stake a claim to be first choice striker, that's my first aim.

"It's going to be hard because there are some good strikers here but that's the first thing I need to do, make sure the manager wants me to be his number one. "That's what I've come here to hopefully achieve.

The Champions League draw is a tricky game. I hope I can be involved Daryl Murphy

"It's going to be hard work but I think if I put in the work and the effort - which I will do - hopefully I can start every game and play a big part in winning the title.

"I've been used as a left-midfielder quite a lot in my career, which is not my position, it's a centre-forward.

"I know, if given the chance to play as a striker and a run of games, I can score goals, especially in a team like Celtic who will be attacking a lot."

After beginning his career with League of Ireland side Waterford United, Murphy moved to Sunderland at the beginning of the 2005/06 season.

During his spell with the Black Cats, he had loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday in 2005 and last season with Ipswich Town, where he scored six times in 18 appearances.

"Because of the fact that I wasn't playing and featuring in the manager's plans, it was an easy decision to leave," said Murphy.

"But I had some great times there and I'd like to say thanks to everyone involved there and the fans.

Murphy's competitive debut for his new side could come in the Champions League third qualifying tie, with Celtic draw with Sporting Braga hours before his transfer was completed.

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"I hope I can be involved," he added.

"The Champions League draw is a tricky game and I don't know much about them. But I think they came second in the Portuguese league this year so it will be a tough game."

Murphy is Lennon's fifth signing of the summer, with five players also leaving the club.

Speaking before the transfer had gone through, Lennon told philly.com: "He's quick, he's six foot two and I've watched him a lot for a few years now.

"He was playing for Ireland in an end of season tour in America, he caught my eye and I've kept an eye on him ever since.

"I think he'd do all right, he could take the hits for us up here."

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