Connor keen to keep Murphy at Bohs

Bohemians manager Sean Connor has expressed concern that goalkeeper Brian Murphy may be a target for English clubs if he keeps performing to the high standards he has set this season.

Murphy, a former Manchester City and Swansea player, further underlined his worth with a number of top drawer saves during the 2-0 televised win over Bray Wanderers on Monday.  It was the club's 14th clean sheet in all competitions this season.

The win keeps Bohemians in contention but despite shading Bray on the night, their performance was not always convincing.

Having led since the 28th minute the points were only assured when Stephen Rice scored 14 minutes from time.  Murphy also had a good deal to contend with as Bray tormented his defence in the second half, bombarding his goal late on.

"Brian was one of first signings I made and a good goalkeeper is worth 15 points to a team," Connor said. "Sometimes I feel sorry for him as we sit too deep and make life difficult for him. It's very relaxing for a manager when you've someone like that between the sticks.

"Regular football has shown people just how good he is.  If he keeps on progressing like that our problem might be holding onto Brian Murphy.  He knows this is a massive club.  For him to leave it would take a very, very big Championship club because we can offer European and Setanta Cup football.

"He's only 23 so I'd like to see him stay here for another two years and then he might get his chance.  He's getting better and better every week."

If anything Bohemians have been consistent if not always thrilling.  They grind out victories and boast the league's meanest defence.  But Connor knows his side could play more attractive football and is intent on addressing the matter.  He was in England yesterday to meet with long-time associate Steve Bruce, the Birmingham City manager.

"I want us to play better football than we are at the moment but we need a few fresh bodies to do that.  Sometimes we get ourselves stuck in a rut by getting ourselves very deep.  I think I know the reasons for that and its something I'll be trying to address in the next few weeks.

"I'm confident we'll come back (from England) with at least two players.  We are also very, very close to agreeing a deal with one other player which we should know more about by the back end of this week."

Connor said Monday's result was a "must win" as without full points this Friday's trip to Drogheda would be made more difficult than it already is.  Still, having beaten the Louth side in the FAI Cup recently, Connor believes there is nothing to fear this weekend.

"We are going up there four points behind the league leaders knowing a victory will put us one off them.  When you get to that stage you really are in the title hunt.  We've nothing to fear, Drogheda will feel the pressure of Bohemians coming to United Park."

Elsewhere, the general meeting of supporters called by Shamrock Rovers for Thursday July 12th has been postponed for a week.  It will now be held at 7.30pm on Thursday July 19th, in Kevin Street DIT.