GOALKEEPER BRIAN MURPHY has signed a new contract with Cardiff City as the club prepare for their return to the Premier League next season after securing promotion from the Championship.

The 35-year-old joined the Bluebirds in 2016, where has has been backup to shot-stopper Neil Etheridge as the club secured their return to the top-flight for the 2018/19 season.

Waterford-born Murphy spent the early part of his career at Manchester City, enjoying four years at Maine Road where he competed alongside David Seaman and Nicky Weaver for a starting position.

The goalkeeper also won the Eircom League Premier Division and FAI Cup with Bohemians in 2008, where has was named Player of the Season after keeping 20 clean sheets in 33 games.

Murphy was called into the Ireland squad in 2009 and again in 2014. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

After being named in the PFAI Team of the Year three season in a row at Dalymount Park, he joined Roy Keane at Ipswich Town in 2009, later taking in spells at QPR and Portsmouth.

“Brian Murphy, whose contract expired this summer, has been given a new one-year deal with the club,” Cardiff said on Friday.

“We’ve worked really hard this week to get a number of the lads’ contracts tied down ahead of the new season,” added Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to do this and I thank Tan Sri Vincent, Mehmet and Ken for their support throughout the summer as well: we’ve done brilliantly.”

Cardiff secured their return to the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship last season, securing 90 points during an impressive campaign.

They begin the new season away to Bournemouth on 11 August.

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