How the Irish fared: Daryl Murphy back in groove in time for Bosnia

Mick McCarthy has backed Daryl Murphy to fill the void left by Shane Long if the Southampton striker fails to win his fitness fight for Ireland’s Euro 2016 play-off games against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Murphy scored 27 times for Ipswich last season but went into Saturday’s Championship game with Rotherham having yet to net this term. But he ended his drought in some style, grabbing the first hat-trick of his career as Ipswich recorded a 5-2 victory.

With Long battling an ankle injury and Jonathan Walters suspended for Friday’s first leg against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Murphy’s return to form could scarcely have been better timed.