WHILE Jon Stead continues to wait for an end to his marathon goalscoring duck, fellow Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy is hoping his first Premiership goal proves a stepping stone to even greater success.

Despite making just one senior start since his summer move from Waterford, Murphy opened his Black Cats account with a last-gasp leveller in this month's 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

The 22-year-old showed commendable composure to guide a precise low finish past England international Paul Robinson as he showcased the striking skills that persuaded Mick McCarthy to gamble £100,000 on his talent last June.

With Stead and Kevin Kyle having gone more than 40 hours without a Premiership goal, Sunderland are crying out for an attacker able to put the ball in the back of the net.

Murphy insists he is that man and, while relegation remains a certainty, he is hoping a season of strife could yet end on a personal high note.

"It was very important for me to get my first goal against Tottenham," said the Irishman, who was a second-half substitute as Sunderland lost at Blackburn last Wednesday.

"Obviously it was my first for the club and that's a milestone you're wanting to get out of the way.

"I've only been getting the last 15 minutes in games and so scoring has given me a bit of confidence.

"You can see from watching Jon Stead how important it is to get that first goal for a club. That's what strikers are there for - to score goals.

"Hopefully, it's just the start of something for me. Goals bring confidence and I can only improve from here."

Murphy is in contention for a starting spot in Saturday's relegation battle at Birmingham but, with the Championship beckoning, the youngster is already looking ahead to next season.

The likes of Kyle and Andy Gray have already proved themselves in England's second tier and Murphy is hoping his Premiership experience will stand him in good stead.

"I'd like to get a few games before the end of the season and try to prove myself in the Premiership." he said.

"But the most important thing for me will be next season. That's when I really have to kick on.

"I think the gaffer said a few weeks ago that he would be giving the young lads a chance to prove their worth. Hopefully I'll get that chance sooner rather than later."

Murphy is also hoping that chance comes up front. While he was signed as an out-and-out striker, his only senior start came on the left of midfield when Sunderland travelled to Arsenal last November.

He was also playing in a wide role when he scored against Spurs but, while he is understandably willing to play anywhere, he would prefer to prove his worth as a forward.

"Playing in a few different positions adds a bit to your game," said Murphy. "I've played left-back, on the left of a midfield five and the left of a front three but, hopefully, I can get a chance to play down the middle.

"You don't mind where you play really, but I think my best position is down the middle. That's where I'd like my chance."

* Derby are hoping to complete the loan signing of Andy Gray later this week.

The former Leeds, Bradford and Sheffield United striker is currently receiving treatment on an Achilles problem, but Rams caretaker boss Terry Westley is desperate to bolster his side's strikeforce.

"Andy is proven at Championship level," said Westley. "You have to be careful not to panic with loan signings. They have to make an impact and we think Andy would."

* Tickets for Sunderland's weekend trip to Birmingham are still on general sale at the Stadium of Light. They are priced at £27 for adults and £5 for concessions.

* Richard Cresswell will play no further part for Leeds this season after undergoing knee surgery.

Manager Kevin Blackwell will now look to draft in a replacement on loan in time for this weekend's visit of Luton.

Cresswell, 28, was expected to be ruled out for six weeks after finally succumbing to surgery to repair damaged cartilage, but Blackwell's worst fears have now been realised.