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Murphy with Australia captain Daniel Wells. ©INPHO/Donall Farmer

Ireland captain Murphy 'fortunate' to be balancing club and country

The Donegal forward will lead out the International Rules team today before dashing off to prepare for Glenswilly’s SFC final.

MICHAEL MURPHY’S v country dilemma may have hogged much of the headlines in recent days but the Irish International Rules captain has insisted that, at this stage, he is embracing the challenge.

The 23-year-old revealed that he will return home to Glenswilly immediately after the first Test tonight to prepare for tomorrow’s SFC final against Killybegs.

“It’s something I’ve thought about and something I’ve spoken about with quite a lot of people. I made the decision fairly early and I suppose making that decision fairly early has helped me deal with it as best I can,” stated the 2012 All-Ireland-winning captain.

“I have been very fortunate in that the communications lines have been brilliant between both management teams, as I say the decision has been made, I’m comfortable with that decision and I’m just going to go with it now.

It’s better to be in this position than out of this position. I’m fortunate enough to be representing Ireland and I’m also fortunate enough to be representing my club, so I suppose getting the opportunity to say that at this stage of the year is fantastic thing.

“I just want to try and grasp it and go for it instead of trying to stay back from it.”

Australian captain Daniel Wells admitted that he was impressed by the commitment of his opposite number.

“It’s definitely impressive, to see the commitment he has for his country and his club, it shows a lot of class and that’s why he’s the captain and is representing the country,” said the North Melbourne star.

“He’s a good man to have on your side and I’m sure he’ll do his country proud.”

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