Daryl Murphy a doubt for Ireland’s double header

Ireland striker Daryl Murphy has handed Martin O’Neill another injury headache after the news he’s struggling to be fit for next month’s two European Championship qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia.

Murphy missed Ipswich Town’s 2-1 win at Preston on Saturday with a calf problem and manager Mick McCarthy revealed he may not be fit until after the international break.

Former Ireland boss McCarthy said: “It might be after the international break before he is back. I don’t know really. We will see “He has had a scan. There is nothing too serious there.”

O’Neill also has worries over Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

Arter looks certain to withdraw due to the hip and groin problems that have bothered him since the clash with England in June.

Westwood missed Wednesday’s last two games with a bruised kidney.