Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy has said that he could not reject the chance to join Newcastle United when they came knocking this summer.

The 33-year-old brought an end to his five-year spell at Ipswich Town on Sunday, moving back to the North-East having spent five years with Sunderland earlier in his career.

Murphy revealed that Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy wanted to keep him at the club, but understood that the opportunity was too good to turn down.

"Obviously it wasn't easy, but as I said to the manager, I said, 'I can't turn down this opportunity, it's not going to happen to me again', and I think he understood that," he told reporters.

"Obviously he didn't want me to go, but I think he understood that I'm not going to get that chance again."

Murphy is currently on international duty with Ireland, and could feature in their opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Monday.