Murphy thrilled with return to Ireland side

Geordan Murphy was thrilled to mark his return to the Ireland side with a match-winning performance as the hosts claimed an emphatic 34-13 victory over Scotland.

Ireland had won one and lost one of their previous two games in an unconvincing RBS 6 Nations campaign so far this season, but Robert Kearney's first international try, a double from the recalled Tommy Bowe, and scores from David Wallace and Marcus Horan saw the hosts earn a clear victory at Croke Park.

Murphy had been dropped from the game by coach Eddie O'Sullivan but he was forced to select the Leicester full-back after Girvan Dempsey suffered a bruised hip.

He told BBC1: "I am delighted, very pleased to get called up again.

"I just wanted to come in and not let anyone down.

"I got a few balls today that another day I might not get but it was important we got a win today."

He hailed Bowe saying: "He has got a fantastic tryscoring record and is a fantastic player. He is really sharp at the minute, he has got a great future ahead."

Murphy insisted he was not concerned over whether he had put O'Sullivan in a difficult selection position for Ireland's next game, saying: "It doesn't really concern me - whatever happens happens."