Murphy has to bide time at the Mags

Daryl Murphy is closing in on a return at Newcastle United – but the ex-Sunderland striker won’t be fit to face former club Ipswich Town today.

Murphy has only made one appearance for the Magpies since joining in a £3million summer deal.

The 33-year-old – who signed a two-year deal – has been sidelined with a calf problem in recent weeks..

The Irishman, recruited for his aerial ability and Championship experience, is behind 11-goal Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic in the pecking order, but is back in training “The idea for us was to have someone of his experience to give us some advice,” said Benitez.

“At the moment, he is unavailable. He is improving, but it is not something we can take risks with now.

“He is not someone we hadwatchedforalongtime, but when we were looking forstrikerswithexperience in this competition.

“We had to pick one from two or three, and he was one of the options and he wanted to come here.

“And we liked him. We knew he was not to be a starter, but we thought he could do well because he is clever, has good movement for a target man and is quite mobile.

“We saw that in the cup. He was perfect for what we were expecting in the Championship. He is fine, a little disappointed to have a little injury, but in terms of attitude, he has been fine.

“We were really pleased with how he played in the cup, and disappointed he cannot play at the moment.”