It seems opportunity knocks for Joe Murphy as Alex Smithies puts the finishing touches to his transfer to QPR.
The 33-year-old is set for a third successive appearance at home to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Smithies missed the Capital One Cup defeat by Notts County as he became a father, and was left out of the Championship draw with Blackburn Rovers as QPR’s interest emerged,
Murphy was an emergency loan to Chesterfield for their League I play-off semi-final second leg at Preston North End last season and was himself linked with a move away during the summer, with Bradford City said to be considering a bid.
Now the Republic of Ireland international, signed from Coventry City last summer, has the chance to stake a claim at Town, and there’s no denying he has experience and know-how, with more than 500 appearances to his name.
Town also have four young keepers in Lloyd Allinson, 21 and next in line to Murphy, Ed Wilczynski, 20, Sam Guthrie, 19, and Tadhg Ryan, 18.
None of them have played a first-team game, but don’t forget Smithies was just 17 when he made his debut, so age should not necessarily be a barrier.
While the transfer window closes on September 1, Chris Powell knows he will continue to have the option of bringing in a loan keeper, so he has the chance to look closely at those already at the club.
